711.94/2154: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 28—1:12 p.m.]
892. For the Secretary and the Under Secretary. 1. A highly placed Japanese in whom I have great confidence and who has been consistently friendly to us informed me that he had yesterday seen the Prime Minister on a personal matter, and that Prince Konoye had asked my informant whether I was aware of his (Prince Konoye’s) views and attitude with regard to improving Japan’s relations with the United States. I assume that Prince Konoye was guardedly referring to the Washington conversations. In view of the irreproachable character of this informant, his statement confirms certain doubts which I have entertained with regard to the purported message from Prince Konoye reported in Embassy’s 765, June 4, 10 p.m.
2. My present informant added that he personally expected “startling developments” within the next week or 10 days. The statement, having regard to the context in which it was made, carried the implication that the “developments” would be of a character favorable to the American position.