711.94/845: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Grew)
89. Embassy’s 149, October 3, 2 p.m.
1. The report of satisfactory recent contacts and probabilities for the future between Hirota and yourself is of great gratification to me.
With regard to Hirota’s contemplation of sending a good-will mission, I concur heartily in your view and approve the statements you made and the course you suggested. For the reasons which you give, along with others, that project should be discouraged. Already there has appeared in the American press reactions unfavorable to it. It is my intention to take the same line with Debuchi that has been taken with Hirota by you.
2. In connection with Hirota’s desire to improve American-Japanese relations, you might find opportunity to turn his attention to the situation whereby the Department is confronted with increasing evidence of discrimination, actual or likely to develop, by the authorities of Manchukuo against American and other foreign commercial interests in Manchuria, and of acts by these authorities prejudicial to the treaty rights of the United States. The following might be indicated to Hirota. The American public, reading a press which is uncensored and which carries a large amount of foreign news, is impressed less by inspired expressions of attitude and intent and more by statements of fact. A response unfavorable to the aim of fostering friendly relations, which we as well as Hirota seek, will be brought forth in this country by any evidence of discrimination against American trade in Manchuria. If Hirota could use his influence with the Manchukuo authorities toward preventing discrimination or having discrimination removed where it exists, insofar as his efforts in that connection were successful to that extent conditions favorable to the natural development of good will would be fostered and the development of grounds of irritation checked. With regard to instances when discriminations or impairment of American rights do exist or develop, if it is not possible to effect their removal locally, there would probably be no alternative for the American Government other than to bring them officially to the notice of the Japanese Government. Consequently, if the Japanese authorities could discourage successfully the discriminatory and other objectionable practices in Manchukuo, it would contribute substantially to maintaining and promoting good will between the United States and Japan, and at this time efforts along that line would contribute more than any gesture of a good-will mission toward the end sought.
[Page 126]3. The following is for your information. With regard to the question of amending our Immigration Act,49a recently the Department suggested to Debuchi that he suggest to Shigemitsu49b informally that the present is not an opportune moment for public agitation in relation to this question.