500.A41a/3: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Japan (Bell)
152. Your 293, September 12, 6 p.m.
In supplement to the comment contained in my telegram as to the meaning to be given to the heading “Status of Existing Commitments”, you should explain to the Minister for Foreign Affairs that I have in mind to introduce into the discussion of Far Eastern Affairs a frank and friendly interchange of information and views as to all commitments which might now or hereafter be invoked in relation to the Far Eastern policies of the several Powers and to the [Page 69] particular applications thereof; and to seek such an understanding as to the nature and effect of these commitments as would in future obviate any controversy which might arise through any misconception of the positions of the several Powers.