711.94/24062/11
The Japanese Ambassador (Nomura) to the Secretary of State
Oral
I have been instructed, Mr. Secretary, to appeal to you personally for assistance in the settlement of two long pending issues: one concerning the resumption of shipping from Japan to the United States and the other concerning the payment for the licensed oil shipment.
As regards the first question, I am told that if no assurances can be obtained regarding the question of “claims” because it is a matter in the hands of the judiciary authorities, the proposed resumption of shipping will have to be delayed indefinitely.
The Japanese Government hesitates to use a requisitioned ship as such a ship is likely to be regarded as an “evacuation ship” and would create consequently an undesirable impression upon the public.
Since it is intolerable, in fact inhuman, to keep waiting so long so many prospective passengers, and since as many Americans as possible are also to be accommodated, I am instructed to request the American Government to be good enough to see to it that, no matter what technical difficulties there may be, an arrangement is speedily made for the sending of one ship at least.65
As regards the second question, in view of the delay in obtaining an answer to its proposal of two weeks ago to ship gold or U. S. dollar notes in payment of the licensed oil shipment, the Japanese Government, despite serious difficulties, has finally decided to remit the money from South America, as was once suggested by the American Government. It is hoped this step will facilitate the settlement of the case.
- For the Japanese Ambassador’s expression of appreciation, see memorandum of October 9, 1941, Foreign Relations, Japan, 1931–1941, vol. ii, p. 670.↩