893.102S/2249: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 6—11:45 a.m.]
805. Shanghai’s 875, September 5, 10 p.m., to the Department. Shanghai defense sectors. I have studied with close attention Shanghai’s full report of the Glassford–Iwamura conversations and I fully concur in Rear Admiral Glassford’s statement that it would be useless to continue conversations on the basis set forth by the Japanese in “Memorandum No. 3”. I wish further to add that I am in complete [Page 807] agreement with the Department’s opinion that the compromise solution agreed upon by a majority of the defense committee members is entirely reasonable and just from the standpoint of all parties concerned.
2. My view is therefore that inasmuch as the Japanese viewpoint is so completely and diametrically opposed to our view no useful purpose would be served by a further approach to the Government in Tokyo. This question which involves grave basic principles relating to the whole present and future position in the Far East appears to have reached an impasse and further steps will presumably involve questions of high policy which do not lie within the Embassy’s competence. I therefore feel that I am not at present in a position to make any further recommendations.
Repeated to Shanghai. Code text by air mail to Peiping. Shanghai please air mail to Chungking.