Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1941, The Far East, Volume IV

711.94/5–2341

American Statement of May 28⁸⁷

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Oral Explanation for Suggested Amendments to the Japanese Draft

Introductory statement.

A few changes have been made in phraseology with a view to clarifying the meaning.

In the list of points enumerated on page two of the Japanese draft, the word “Southwestern” has been omitted from point numbered five and, in view of the new subject matter under point six (for explanation see infra), the subject matter under point six in the Japanese draft has been incorporated in two additional sections, the titles of which are therefore listed.

[Here follows text of section I as printed in Foreign Relations, Japan, 1931–1941, volume II, page 452.]

II. The attitudes of both Governments toward the European war.

The first paragraph has been omitted in order to avoid any implication of inconsistency with statements made by the President to the effect that the present is not an opportune time for the American Government to endeavor to bring about peace in Europe.

The fourth paragraph of the Japanese draft has been revised to emphasize the protective and self-defense character of the attitude of the United States toward the European hostilities.

III. China Affair.

The statement in the Japanese draft has been rewritten to keep the underlying purport and at the same time to avert raising questions which do not seem fundamental to the basic subject and which are controversial in character and might present serious difficulties from the point of view of the United States.

The statement in the Japanese annex and supplement in regard to this section has also been revised in a few particulars in conformity with the considerations mentioned in the preceding paragraph.

Two statements in the annex and supplement on the part of the Government of the United States contain further elaboration of the matter.

[Here follows text of sections IV, V, and VI, first paragraph, as printed on page 453.]

In order that the statement of fundamental purpose may gain added emphasis through appearing alone, the other subjects mentioned in this section of the Japanese draft have been dealt with in new sections bearing numbers VII and VIII.

[Here follows text of section VII as printed on page 453.]

VIII. Japanese immigration to the United States.

There has been added a statement making clear the established position of the United States that the question of immigration is a domestic matter.

[Here follows text of the “Addendum” as printed on pages 453–454, except that word “confidential” was used instead of “secret” and words “together with its annexes” were inserted at end of first sentence of May 23 text.]

[Alternate Annex 2]⁸⁸

III. China Affair.

2. Cooperative defense against inimical foreign ideologies.

It is understood that the working out of the fulfillment of this provision will in no way conflict with the provision for the withdrawal of Japanese troops from Chinese territory; and it is understood further that the Japanese Government does not intend to station troops within Chinese territory as a preventative measure against inimical foreign ideologies. It is also understood that the purpose of this provision is to provide for mutual, cooperative resistance to any future development within China of such ideologies which would menace not only the welfare of China but as well the national security of Japan. The actual arrangement therefor might, with benefit to all, be negotiated upon the request of either the Government of Japan or the Government of China shortly before the completion of the withdrawal of Japanese troops from China.

[Alternate Section]⁸⁹

III. Relations of both nations toward the China Affair.

Action in Regard to Japanese-Chinese Relations

The Government of the United States having taken cognizance of the assurances of the Japanese Government that the terms of a peaceful settlement which the Japanese Government will propose to the Chinese Government will be in harmony with the Konoe principles⁹⁰ of neighborly friendship and mutual respect of sovereignty and territories, the President of the United States will suggest to the Government of China and the Government of Japan that those Governments enter into a negotiation for a termination of hostilities and resumption of peaceful relations on a basis freely acceptable to both and with due consideration of the rights and the legitimate interests of other nations in the Pacific.

87. Notation on file copy: “Tentative draft of May 23 of our ‘Oral Explanation for Suggested Amendments to the Japanese Draft’ (of May 12). This tentative draft was discussed by the Secretary with the President.”
88. Notation on file copy: “Alternate page for May 23 tentative redraft of the Japanese proposal on May 12, 1941.”
89. Notation on file copy: “Alternate page for May 23 tentative redraft of the Japanese proposal of May 12, 1941.”
90. See statement of the Japanese Prime Minister on December 22, 1938, Foreign Relations, Japan, 1931–1941, vol. i, p. 482.