893.00/14748: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 24—9:45 a.m.]
874. Embassy’s 872, June 24, 4 p.m. Wang-Konoye statement. It is believed that the statement concerning mutual defense against communism were inserted at Wang’s insistence, as he was perturbed by Japan’s apparent rapprochement with the Soviet Union. As expected, the Japanese Government promised to assist toward extending the authority of the Nanking régime, but specific plans were not mentioned despite a suggestion that their promising would result in winning the confidence of the people.
Sent to the Department via Shanghai. Shanghai please repeat to Chungking, Nanking and Peiping.