793.94119/767½
Memorandum by Mr. Joseph W. Ballantine, of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs
In view of Mr. Grew’s telegram stating that he has been told that the Japanese Government intends within a day or two to inform him of Japan’s peace terms to China, should we now make an approach to the Japanese Ambassador in regard to the Japanese proposals?41
Arguments pro:
The Japanese might be more likely to endeavor to meet our ideas in regard to a broad-gauge program and might feel less inclined to be discouraged over the possibility of coming to terms with us, for, if we should await receiving their terms to China and if these terms should prove to be reasonably moderate, they might interpret a subsequent approach as being merely an attempt to play them along.
The very taking of an initiative by us in this way might impress the Japanese favorably as an indication that we are trying to meet their desire to move rapidly.
Argument contra:
In as much as normal procedure would call for our awaiting Japan’s move before taking action, the Japanese might interpret an approach by us at this time as constituting a prejudging by us of their peace terms to China unfavorably and as therefore revealing a purpose to protract matters under any circumstances. The resulting discouragement might have an unfavorable effect upon a continuance of the conversations.
- See memorandum of September 19, 1941, ibid., p. 629.↩