793.94/8218: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Japan (Dickover)29
128. Your 203, October 3, 7 p.m.
1. Department desires that Ballantine call as soon as practicable upon the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs and, referring to the conversations reported in your telegram under reference, read to the Vice Minister, as under instruction, a statement substantially but in close paraphrase reading as follows:
“The American Government is gratified to have the benefit of this information direct from the Japanese Government as communicated by the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs. The situation to which it relates has from its inception had the interest and careful attention of the American Government. This Government has naturally observed with concern the alarming and sensational reports which have appeared in the press in the United States and other countries, and therefore appreciates sincerely the initiative taken by the Japanese Government in acquainting this Government with information contributory toward an understanding of the present state of relations between Japan and China. The American Government is especially gratified to receive the assurance that the Japanese Government desires to obtain a solution of the issues tying between Japan and China by diplomacy. This Government will follow developments in the situation as it unfolds with solicitude, and it would be [Page 339] helpful if the Japanese Government would from time to time and as circumstances make such action useful, continue to give this Government information toward clarifying the situation.”
2. Ballantine should not leave with the Vice Minister a copy of the statement, which should be regarded as an oral one.
3. Report by cable when action has been taken.
4. The developments reported in your telegram under reference and this reply obviate the need of the Embassy taking action at this time along the lines contemplated in the Department’s 127, October 2, 9 p.m.
- Repeated to the Ambassador in China on the same date as telegram No. 235.↩