894.00/1118: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 19—10:09 a.m.]
1656. Shortly after its investiture last night the new Government issued a declaration translated as follows:
“It is the immovable policy of Japan to settle successfully the China affair and to contribute to the peace of the world by establishing the East Asia co-prospering sphere. The Government which faces an unprecedentally grave situation intends externally to promote more and more amicable relations with friendly powers and is absolutely [determined?] to perfect a national defense state; and thus under the august virtue of His Majesty the Emperor to go forward with a united nation to accomplish its holy task.”
In a brief radio address to the nation the new Premier reaffirmed the basic policies stated above. Demonstrative omission of reference to the Tripartite Alliance is significant.
The new Foreign Minister, Shigenori Togo, refused to make a statement to the press except to express support of the basic policies of the Government. He will not comment on relations with the United States but indirectly referred to recent criticisms of “secret diplomacy” by stating that he would “let the people know regarding the diplomacy of the country as much as possible on as many occasions as possible.” Other members of the new Government made the usual platitudinous remarks but no concrete announcements of policy were forthcoming.