711.94/2337: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:36 p.m.]
1561. For the Secretary and Under Secretary only. 1. My Polish colleague learns from his intimate contacts in the Black Dragon Society that the proposal of the Prime Minister to meet the President on American soil is now generally known in political circles in Tokyo and that the proposal is generally applauded, even in military circles, on the ground that the economic situation in Japan renders a settlement with the United States absolutely essential. It is said that delegations from important political groups have called on Prince Konoye to assure him that the country as a whole will support him in his endeavors to reach an agreement. These circles are under the impression that the Japanese Government has already agreed to meet the position of the United States but they further aver that, if the conference takes place, the Prime Minister will be obliged to accept the American conditions because it would be unthinkable for him to return to Japan having failed in his mission.
2. The circles mentioned above attach importance to the facts that Prince Konoye purposely absented himself from Tokyo on the anniversary of the conclusion of the Tripartite Alliance, that the celebration was reduced to a minimum and that German elements in Japan are now under close surveillance by the police.
3. The information in paragraph 1 above tends to support the repeated assurances conveyed to me by the Foreign Minister that all difficulties can and will be ironed out at the proposed conference between the responsible heads of the two Governments.