761.93/1497
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 3, 1933.]
Sir: The recently announced resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Soviet Russia has attracted considerable attention in Japan, due to the assumption that this action is closely connected with the Manchurian dispute and that it presages Soviet support for China in the future consideration of the Manchurian problem.
According to the Japanese news agencies, the Foreign Office spokesman stated that the hasty action of China, despite Chiang Kai Shek’s well-known fear of Communism, indicates China’s desire to obtain Soviet participation in the proposed Commission of Conciliation at Geneva. The Soviets will now be compelled to decide definitely whether or not to recognize “Manchukuo”, but Japan need not be disturbed by the decision. In fact, it will be welcomed by Japan, as it will reveal the true intention of the Soviets and Japan can then follow a more definite policy in dealing with them. Japan, however, feels grave concern for the welfare of the Far East, in view of the probability of the penetration of Communism into China. The resumption of diplomatic relations between China and the Soviets will have no legal effect either on the Moscow-Tokyo or Moscow-Hsinking relations. The political effect, however, will be great. All hope of concluding a nonaggression pact between Japan, Russia and “Manchukuo” has now been dissipated, as the Soviets, formerly neutral in regard to the Manchurian affair, have now apparently taken sides. “Japan now has more freedom to follow its own course without having unnecessary scruples about its policy toward the U.S.S.R.” (Advertiser translation of Rengo report). The Foreign Office also takes exception to the statement of Mr. Litvinov to the effect that the Manchurian affair would not have occurred had formal diplomatic relations existed between the United States and the Soviets. The Foreign Office states that the Manchurian affair had no connection with the relations between the United States and the Soviets.
The Japanese War Office, according to the Japanese press, takes the attitude that Japan’s Far Eastern policy is fixed and that the change in Sino-Soviet diplomatic relations can have no effect on Japan. In view of the “internationally-recognized faithlessness of both parties”, however, the War Office was watching the situation with interest. The resumption of relations between China and the Soviets was “another instance of the Soviet method of doing unpleasant things”. (No explanation was forthcoming as to why the resumption of diplomatic [Page 441] relations between China and the Soviets should be considered an “unpleasant thing” by the War Office.)
While the Foreign Office, therefore, regards the resumption of Sino-Soviet relations with some misgivings and with an eye on the probable consequences at Geneva, the War Office continues its pose of vast superiority to all diplomatic considerations and of calm assurance in its own ability to conduct the affairs not only of Japan but of the entire Far East.
[Here follows summary of Japanese press opinions.]
Respectfully yours,