893.102S/2215: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
Tokyo, August 24, 1940—4
p.m.
[Received August 24—6:51 a.m.]
[Received August 24—6:51 a.m.]
743. Department’s 319, August 21, 6 p.m. Shanghai’s 811, August 21, 4 p.m.; and 829, August 23, 6 p.m., Shanghai defense sectors.
- 1.
- The oral statement to which reference is made in the first sentence of paragraph No. 3 of the Department’s 319, does not, in our opinion, require a reply and, in view of the expressed disinclination on the part of the Foreign Office to have the discussions transferred to Tokyo, we are reluctant to approach the Foreign Office again in this matter until and if we are instructed to undertake discussions here.
- 2.
- We have been orally informed this morning by the Foreign Office that the Japanese authorities at Shanghai have been authorized to continue to endeavor to reach a local settlement.
- 3.
- In the light of the above any approach to the Foreign Office by us at this time excepting under express instructions would be open to misconstruction.
Repeated to Shanghai. Shanghai please repeat to Chungking, Peiping and to Commander-in-Chief.
Grew