894.00/1020: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Grew)

223. It is suggested that among the materials which might be advantageously used in connection with the matter discussed in numbered paragraph 2 of your 518, April 7, 8 p.m., there might be included in your discretion comments along the lines of those contained in the second paragraph of the Department’s instruction to you no. 2145 of March 15.

You might say that in your opinion pending questions between Japan and the United States should be susceptible of adjustment without armed clash, but that the obvious first step in this direction would be for Japan to act in such a way as would tend to dispel doubts in regard to her attitude and intentions.

It is suggested that you emphasize especially that this Government is confident in its belief that Germany will be defeated and that this Government is making its calculations accordingly.

You might also find useful material in the Department’s telegram to you no. 163 of March 11, 7 p.m., and in the enclosures to the Department’s instructions no. 2125 of February 25 and no. 2128 of March 4.86

Hull
  1. Instructions and enclosures not printed, except memorandum of February 25 by the Assistant Chief of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs, p. 49; the other enclosures were memoranda of conversations with private Japanese callers at the Department.