762.9411/261: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 31—5:03 a.m.]
754. The Foreign Minister released a statement yesterday which is translated as follows:
“It appears that some American newspapers have recently published statements speculating that Japan was becoming cooler toward the Tripartite Alliance. However, there is no doubt whatever that the Tripartite Alliance is the keynote of Japan’s national policy. As far as I am concerned, I do not believe that responsible American Government [Page 974] officials entertain any such false idea. If, however, there is any such misunderstanding, it is certainly a great misunderstanding. If such distorted reports are circulating in American newspaper circles, I cannot but think that they are based on a report floated for a special purpose. I consider that it is not improper to take the present occasion to clarify this point.
Furthermore, I wish to take the present opportunity to clarify the following points:
- (1)
- Japan’s fundamental policy has for a long time been firmly established and has undergone no change whatever.
- (2)
- Since the conclusion on September 27, last, of the Tripartite Pact, Japan’s foreign policy has consistently been conducted with this Pact as its pivot. This should be clear to all from the statements on various occasions by Prime Minister, Prince Fumimaro Konoye, and myself as well as from the subsequent development of Japan’s policy. There has, of course, been not the slightest deflection from this course of policy.
- (3)
- It is, therefore, absolutely impossible to imagine that Japan should fail in the slightest degree to carry out faithfully her obligations under the Tripartite Pact.
- (4)
- As has frequently been affirmed, Japan’s policy toward the South Seas is peaceful. Should, however, untoward international developments render the execution of such policy impossible, it is a possibility that Japan may have to reconsider her attitude in the light of the changed situation.”