Office of the Historian

762.9411/8: Telegram

The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State

Tokyo, September 20, 1940—noon.
[Received September 20—3:30 a.m.]

867. As a result of a 3-hour conference of the Emperor yesterday with the Cabinet and the highest military and naval officials, I am informed from a reputable source that the Emperor gave his sanction to the conclusion of a defensive alliance with Germany. Details are not yet available but I shall explore.

Sent to the Department. Repeated to Shanghai.

Grew