762.94/472½: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan ( Grew ) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 12—1 p.m.]
398. 1. We have received information from a reliable source that the Minister for Foreign Affairs yesterday told a close friend of his that he did not exclude the possibility of visiting England during the course of his travels in Europe.
2. One of my colleagues who saw Mr. Matsuoka yesterday tells me that Mr. Matsuoka affected to be annoyed over the exaggerated importance being placed on his forthcoming visit to Berlin. According to my informant Mr. Matsuoka said in effect, “I am told that Ribbentrop is a terrible liar but I want to see for myself whether he is or not. I would also like to visit France if possible as I would only be too happy to contribute toward saving France from further hardship; but I shall not make up my mind until I have arrived in Moscow.”
3. If the foregoing information is used by the Department it is important to avoid creating an assumption as to its source or that it emanates from this Embassy.