893.01/601: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 22—9:35 a.m.]
49. At my request the Chinese Chargé d’Affaires called upon me this morning and we discussed the situation as conveyed to you in my 46, January 21, 10 p.m. He has asked for instructions from his Government but assumes that he will be recalled and the Embassy closed. He said that his colleague in Berlin did not know whether any similar step by Germany was being contemplated.
The Chargé expressed the opinion that the new Japanese Government47 may have felt the need of some quick move to strengthen its own position among the Japanese people and that this could be done readily by the setting up of the Wang puppet government in China. Naturally the recognition by another foreign power of such a regime would be helpful. Italy had responded affirmatively. He thought [Page 274] that Italy probably considered her action in being the first foreign power outside of Japan to recognize Wang as adding to her own prestige but neither of us can guess what Italy receives from Japan as quid pro quo. The Chargé does not believe that Italy’s move has any bearing upon her anti-Soviet sentiments.
I appreciate fully that the Italian Government’s action runs counter to our own policy and it may well be that you desire me to express your views and those of the President personally to Ciano.
- Adm. Mitsumasa Yonai, Prime Minister.↩