793.94 Commission/536: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Grew)
181. It is reported by Hugh Wilson24 and Norman Davis25 that on November 19 Matsuoka25a called on them and made statements to the following effect:
- (a)
- There is nothing which will divert Japan from carrying through its present policy in respect to Manchuria, for this policy is the only one which will put an end to the conditions existing in that area.
- (b)
- He had informed the Soviet Government while he was in Moscow that the fear of Russia was one of the mainsprings of Japanese activity in Manchuria, an area where Japan must have security.
- (c)
- The hostility of Japanese public opinion toward America is dangerous. Public opinion is convinced that several attempts have [Page 105] been made by the United States to check Japanese development in Manchuria and to get control of the railway situation in that area. Rapidly diminishing is the large body of influential Japanese opinion which heretofore was friendly. In spite of the fact that thinking Japanese realize American public opinion has no thought of war, the Japanese Government may be forced to take sides with the already inflamed public opinion in the event of some incident.
- (d)
- Any solution by the League which does not take into consideration the existence of “Manchukuo” and its recognition by Japan will have to be rejected by Japan. In case there is a concerted derogation of Japanese dignity, the only recourse for Japan will be to leave the League of Nations.
In rejoinder, it was suggested by Davis that it did not look hopeful for a constructive settlement if Japan’s attitude was an irreconcilable one. Davis outlined the fact that America recognized Japan’s interests and difficulties, and pointed out that the Secretary of State was animated by no feeling of hostility toward Japan but on the contrary by the conviction of what were the best interests of Japan as well as by American rights and duties under certain treaties and in the interest of world peace. Davis continued by stating that Japan had a wonderful opportunity, provided it would adopt a constructive attitude, to solve this problem in concert with, and with the moral support of, the nations of the world, and that this opportunity should be embraced by Japan. In his attitude Matsuoka remained dubious and he reiterated the danger which lay in the hostility towards America among the Japanese. He stated that the Japanese are a race which is patient for a long time, but a point is arrived at which, with suddenness and violence, the repressed irritation breaks bounds and releases itself.