793.94119/610: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 11—7:37 a.m.]
594. The Minister of War, General Hata, gave a long interview to the press yesterday on his way to western Japan, the significant portions of which are reported by the Asahi to have been as follows:9
“The settlement of the China incident is being undertaken under extremely complicated circumstances, brought about by developments [Page 316] in the international situation. … Irrespective of public opinion, the Army is determined to assume full responsibility for the settlement of the incident. … There is no need to alter the fundamental policy, decided at the Imperial Council, for the disposal of the incident. At the special meeting of the Asia Promotion Board on November 1 the attitude to be adopted by the Japanese Government toward the new central regime to be established in China was discussed and decided. This decision may in the future be referred to the Cabinet, but I don’t believe there is any need for haste. The movement among patriotic and intelligent Chinese for the establishment of a new regime is progressing favorably despite the machinations of the enemy. … In every particular, the hasty conclusion must not be drawn that the China affair will automatically be settled with the establishment of the new regime. The Japanese people must clearly recognize the distinction between cooperation with the new regime and the establishment of a new order in East Asia. The restoration of peace and the establishment of the new order will depend on the strength of the Japanese Empire alone. … The fact cannot be disputed that our hypothetical enemies have grown more numerous. In order to be fully prepared for all emergencies Japan must put forth every effort to expand its armaments. It is clear that in view of the situation created by the Manchurian and Chinese incidents more emphasis than ever must be laid on shifting the center of national defense to the continent. … The problem of foodstuffs is of special concern to the army as it is a matter of life and death for the people and it affects directly the morale of the men at the front. … We believe that the food situation is being successfully coped with. … However, as a basic counter-measure steps should be taken at once to establish a permanent policy of consolidation between Japan, China and Manchukuo.”
Copies by airmail to Shanghai, Peiping; Shanghai requested to repeat to Chungking via naval radio.
- Omissions indicated in the original.↩