893.01 Manchuria/1127
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 2.]
Sir: With reference to the Department’s instruction No. 38, March 26, noon, I have the honor to inform the Department that at the time [Page 200] of the rumors that the Emperor of “Manchoutikuo” would visit Tokyo in the coming autumn, several of my colleagues consulted their respective governments in order to ascertain the attitude which they should assume in the event of such a visit. I now learn that the Belgian Ambassador and the Dutch Minister have recently received substantially identical instructions to the effect that if invited by the Emperor of Japan to a reception or other function in honor of the Emperor of “Manchoutikuo” they should accept and attend such function because issued by the Emperor, but that they should decline to attend functions given by any other officials including the Minister for Foreign Affairs. They were also directed to avoid any action or attitude which might be interpreted as implying an intention on the part of their respective Governments to recognize “Manchukuo”.
According to press reports it is now unlikely that this projected visit will take place before next spring. In accordance with the Department’s instructions the Embassy will not fail to consult the Department before such a situation develops.
Respectfully yours,