762.94/496: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
Tokyo, March 29,
1941—10 a.m.
[Received March 29—3 a.m.]
[Received March 29—3 a.m.]
480. The following background information concerning Matsuoka’s trip was received from a member of the immediate family of former Ambassador to Moscow, Togo.
- 1.
- Last October a political agreement between the Soviet Union and Japan was virtually ready for signature. (This confirms reports current in Moscow at that time.) But Matsuoka desired that “his personal friend Tatekawa” should have the honor of signing it and therefore sent him to Moscow to replace Togo who had conducted the entire negotiations. However, following Tatekawa’s arrival the Soviet position stiffened and impossibly high conditions were asked for an agreement. In January Matsuoka asked Togo’s advice as to the advisability of making a trip to Moscow in an endeavor to straighten matters out. Togo strongly recommended such a trip as the only means of obtaining any agreement with the Soviet Union.
- 2.
- “Every informed Japanese” is aware that one of the immediate objects of Matsuoka’s visit is to complete an agreement with Russia and in as much as his personal prestige is therefore so deeply involved, it is expected in Foreign Office circles that he will make every effort to return with some form of agreement with the Soviet Union.
The foregoing information of course, relates exclusively to the Soviet aspect of Matsuoka’s trip.
Sent to the Department, repeated to Moscow.
Grew