711.94/2031
The Ambassador in Peru (Norweb) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 8.]
Sir: I have the honor to report that the Secretary General of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs told me last evening that he had received the call of the new Japanese Minister because the Foreign Minister was unable to see him, and that a most interesting conversation took place.
Dr. Bellido said that the Japanese Minister, whom he had never seen before, asked point blank what Peru’s attitude would be if war were to exist between Japan and the United States. He was informed that if Japan went into the war on the side of the axis and if the United States were to become involved, Peru certainly, and probably the other American Republics also, would join the United States. Dr. Bellido, who obviously enjoyed telling me of this, observed that [Page 119] the Japanese Minister looked a little startled at the reply. He added that the Minister had asked a very direct question and had received an equally frank answer.
Respectfully yours,