Office of the Historian

894.6363/155: Telegram

The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State

Tokyo, December 22, 1934—noon.
[Received December 22—2:40 a.m.]

283. Department’s 210, December 20, 8 p.m.

1.
I conferred with Clive this morning. He stated that he was in substantial agreement with us in regard to the proposed procedure and that although his instructions have not yet arrived he feels warranted in making the proposed informal representations without further instructions.
2.
As it probably will be impossible to determine from the oral reply to our representations whether or not the Japanese Government will “remain adamant”, Clive feels that the decision as to the proposed [Page 797] discussions between the special representatives of the oil companies and the Japanese officials cannot intelligently be based upon such reply.
3.
The two Embassies will confer jointly with the local representatives of the oil companies early next week, before representations are made, in order to ascertain their views.
Grew