893.102 Tientsin/407: Telegram
The Chargé in Japan (Dooman) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 29—7:40 a.m.]
370. Department’s 218, July 25, 6 p.m. Two of all sections of the telegram under reference were not received until late yesterday evening. If the telegram had been received a day or two earlier I believe the Department’s instructions could have been carried out and representations received favorably by the Japanese Government. However, to make representations along the lines desired at a time when the first effects of the notice of termination of the commercial treaty24 are being strongly felt would, I believe, be taken by the Japanese as the implied step in the development of a positive American attitude and would bring forth either an evasive or contentious reply. If the Department desires nevertheless that action be taken at once I shall do so; otherwise I shall await a favorable opportunity.
2. There were observed today items in the press predicting that the United States “will come forward as the champion in the Far East of the white race”.
Sent to the Department via Shanghai. Shanghai please repeat to Chungking and Peiping.
- See note of July 26 to the Japanese Ambassador, vol. iii, p. 558.↩