28
793.94/6606
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the
Secretary of State
[Telegram: Paraphrase ]
TOKYO, April 25, 1934—1 p. m.
[Received April 25—9: 55 a.m.]
75. This morning I had an interview with the
Foreign Minister. Mr. Hirota referred, on his own initiative, to the subject of
the Amau
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statement regarding the attitude of Japan toward foreign assistance to
China, and said that he wished to clarify that statement to me in confidence.
He told me that under questioning by newspaper men, Amau had given out the
statement without his knowledge or approval, and that the world had received a
wholly false impression of Japanese policy, that Japan had no intention
whatever of seeking special privileges in China, of encroaching upon the
territorial and administrative integrity of China, or of creating difficulties
for the bona fide trade of other countries with China. Various foreign
activities have tended to disturb peaceful conditions in China, and Japan is
naturally very much interested in those peaceful conditions owing to her
nearness to China. But that does not mean that there is any intention or desire
on the part of Japan to claim a privileged position in derogation of the rights
and responsibilities to which the signatories of the Nine-Power Treaty are
entitled. The policy of Japan is complete observance and support of the
provisions of the Nine-Power Treaty in every respect.
The insistence by the Chauvinists upon a more
aggressive foreign policy, Mr. Hirota said, makes his position difficult. For
his own part he is trying to follow the policy of the Emperor, with whom he is
constantly in touch, and is seeking to achieve with all countries, and
especially with the United States, relations of friendliness. He intends to do
his best to bring to a successful conclusion the negotiations with Russia for
the purchase of the Chinese Eastern Railway. If that controversy can be
settled, there should be better relations between Russia and Japan, which would
in turn tend to include better relations between China and Japan. This whole
constructive policy of the Emperor and the Government would obviously be
impeded if Japan should now seek special privileges in China. Mr. Hirota said
that he has managed thus far to satisfy both the Liberals and the Chauvinists,
and that, since he has the Emperor's support, he will continue resolutely in
his course even though that should mean his own death. He added also that the
Minister of War supports him fully.
Mr. Hirota went on to say that attempts are
constantly being made by certain foreign influences, through the press and by
other means, to make trouble for Japan. It was his earnest hope that the United
States Government should have a perfect understanding of his attitude toward
Amau's statement, but he requested that his remarks to me be treated as
confidential since his position was difficult. In conclusion, the Minister said
that our Government may rest assured that Japan will take no action in China
purposely provocative to other
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countries or contrary to the terms or spirit of the Nine-Power Treaty. I
do not question the sincerity of the Minister's remarks as reported above.
Nevertheless I made the observation that the Government and people of the
United States would be less impressed by statements of policy than by more
concrete evidence.
I was told by the Minister that a similar
explanation will be made to you by Saito. The Minister is to receive the
British Ambassador at 3 o'clock.
Rumors are reported in the United Press that
the Department will instruct me to ask for a clarification of the statement by
Amau., Unless I receive supplementary instructions, however, I shall assume;
that the present telegram answers the Department's inquiry.
GREW