893.0146/790: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
Tokyo, June 12, 1940—3
p.m.
[Received June 12—9:37 a.m.]
[Received June 12—9:37 a.m.]
440. Our 437, June 11, 6 p.m.61
- 1.
- My British colleague told me last night that whereas in its démarche of September 5, 1939, offering “friendly advice” concerning the withdrawal from China of the troops and warships of belligerent powers, the Japanese Government had not asked for replies, the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs in his démarche of yesterday requested replies at the earliest moment from the British, French and Italian Governments. Sir Robert Craigie received the impression that Mr. Tani himself neither expects nor wants such replies but that the Japanese Army and Navy are pressing the Foreign Office for such replies.
- 2.
- The British and French Ambassadors are uncertain whether their respective Governments will submit replies. The former alludes to the fact that during the last European war the German guard remained in Peiping until China entered the war and he believes that no trouble resulted from their remaining. The Japanese are therefore trying to set a new precedent.
Grew