793.94/6596: Telegram
The Ambassador in Great Britain (Bingham) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 23—1 p.m.]
190. In reply to several questions in the House of Commons this afternoon Simon stated that he had received no notification from the Japanese Government but British Ambassador had sent him text of what was described as translation of an informal statement made to the Japanese press by Minister for Foreign Affairs. The statement appeared to be concerned with certain possible dangers which might arise out of relations between China and Japan. Japanese explained that this statement had been caused by their apprehension of action of certain foreign powers in China. Simon explained he personally felt Great Britain was not referred to and concluded in substance as follows:
The general character of the statement and of certain details in it, such as the reference to financial assistance to China, are of a nature which have made me think it necessary to communicate with the Japanese Government with the object of clarifying the position of His Majesty’s Government.40
In reply to request for assurances that His Majesty’s Government would do nothing without the United States Simon side-stepped and pointed out that he had already addressed this inquiry and further answered that he had read in this morning’s press the reported interview given by Ambassador Saito in Washington.
- This paragraph corrected on the basis of telegram No. 192, April 23, 10 p.m., from the Ambassador in Great Britain, received April 23, 4:55 p.m. (793.94/6598).↩