740.0011 European War 1939/716: Telegram
The Chargé in Japan (Dooman) to the Secretary of State
Tokyo, October 6,
1939—6 p.m.
[Received October 6—9:53 a.m.]
[Received October 6—9:53 a.m.]
507. Department’s 299, October 4, 8 p.m.
- 1.
- In conversation today with Yoshizawa90 I said that there were widely current rumors to the effect that Japan is discussing some far-reaching political arrangement with Germany and the Soviet Union, adding that recent conversations between Togo and Molotov had aroused much speculation. Yoshizawa replied that he could say officially and definitely that the Japanese Government is not negotiating [Page 75] any political arrangement with either the German or Soviet Governments. He explained that Togo is negotiating with Molotov for the setting up of two joint commissions: one to deal with Japanese oil concessions in Saghalien and other economic problems and the other to demark Soviet-Manchuria border. He added with considerable emphasis that these negotiations would be taking place whatever the present state of international relations in Europe might be. In an extended review of factors involved in relations between Japan and the Soviet Union, Yoshizawa arrived at conclusions closely approximating those set forth in our 482, September 18, 6 p.m.
- 2.
- Referring to the report mentioned in our 505, October 5, 7 p.m.,91 that Japan had denounced the Anti-Comintern Treaty, Yoshizawa said that D. N. B. (official German press bureau) had telegraphed to Berlin a summary of the statement made by the Foreign Minister on jOctober 2 to the effect that the negotiations carried on by the previous Cabinet with Germany and Italy which looked toward the strengthening of the Anti-Comintern Paict had been terminated. After arrival in Berlin the press despatch had been distorted whether intentionally or otherwise, and in the distorted form had been broadcast by an Italian radio station. He repeated that there is no truth whatever to the rumor.
Repeated to Moscow.
Dooman