811D.0144/12: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 29—9:50 a.m.]
1530. Department’s 614, September 25, 11 p.m., flights over Guam. I communicated the substance of the Department’s telegram personally to the Minister for Foreign Affairs in my interview with him on September 27. The Minister carefully studied the facts presented. He said that he was familiar with Admiral Matsunaga, whom he described as “pompous and notoriety-seeking”. Admiral Toyoda added that it was for these peculiarities that Matsunaga had been retired from the Navy, and he expressed the opinion that undue importance should not be attached to any statements emanating from this person who is now frequently being quoted in the third-rate newspapers. Admiral Toyoda said that he would, however, look into the matter.