761.94/1301: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Steinhardt) to the Secretary of State

666. For the President, Secretary, and Under Secretary. The Japanese Ambassador last night gave me the following account of the meeting between Matsuoka, Stalin, Molotov and himself with Miyakawa, Secretary of the Japanese Embassy as interpreter:

“Molotov greeted us and a few moments later Stalin walked into the room. The meeting lasted exactly one hour. Matsuoka at once started to talk about Japanese ideology and became more and more enthusiastic as he proceeded. His lecture continued for 58 minutes. He began with the status of the Emperor, continued through the structure of Japanese political and economic life and concluded by stating that the Japanese were not Communists politically or economically but that there was a close parallel between communism and Japanese family life. When Matsuoka had finished Stalin remarked that in spite of the difference between Soviet and Japanese ideology he could see no reason why ‘we cannot be friends’ and turning to Molotov asked him whether he shared that opinion. Molotov agreed. That was the end of the interview.”

The Ambassador said that no “business” of any kind was discussed. He does not expect Matsuoka to see Stalin again on his return visit although he said the possibility could not be excluded. He expects Matsuoka to “talk business” with Molotov. I asked the Ambassador’s opinion as to the prospects for a political agreement. He replied that he did not think the prospects were any too promising but that “Matsuoka will have to do something.”

The Ambassador expects Matsuoka to arrive in Moscow on April 7 although that date is not yet certain and to depart either on the 10th or 13th. He said that Matsuoka had been anxious to visit Vichy, Paris and at least one or two of the occupied capitals but that the Germans “apparently did not want him to” and doubted that Matsuoka would press the point.

Repeated to Tokyo.

Steinhardt