Office of the Historian

390.1115A/96: Telegram

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

Tokyo, October 23, 1940—3 p.m.
[Received 4:20 p.m.]

1033. Department’s 381, October 6, 2 p.m. The following is submitted in respect to Japanese relatives of American citizens who may evacuate from Japan.

Registration and other data in our Consulates show 6,300 American citizens in Japanese Empire consisting of 2,300 Caucasians and 4,000 of Japanese race. Registration records of Caucasian Americans are reasonably complete but it is believed there are considerably more citizens of Japanese race than indicated by above figures. Unofficial Japanese estimates are far above our figures and it seems safe to conclude that over 80% of total Americans in Japanese Empire are persons of Japanese race. The greater majority of these are unmarried students of military age with dual nationality seeking Japanese education, many with close relatives in Japan. Of the remainder some are employed by American enterprises but usually in subordinate capacity, employment generally having been obtained after arrival. American employment is not necessarily proof of loyalty. There is also a small number of Caucasian Americans with Japanese spouses and offspring.

Thus far very few American citizens of Japanese race or with Japanese spouses have indicated a desire for early evacuation but should they wish to leave later the question of splitting up families will arise. This is problem of considerable importance because Japanese relations are ineligible for immigration visas or naturalization and legally at least may become enemies.

It is believed possible that the Department may have worked out a policy in connection with evacuation from Europe which is applicable to Far East, particularly Japan. If no policy already adopted, please advise if special attitude is to be taken by consuls in Japanese Empire with regard to possible visa applications of: (1) Caucasian; and (2) Japanese relatives of departing American citizens including alien spouses, children, parents and minor brothers and sisters.

Sent to the Department via Shanghai.

Grew