894.00/1020: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
Tokyo, April 7,
1941—8 p.m.
[Received April 7—2:20 p.m.]
[Received April 7—2:20 p.m.]
518. Embassy’s 517, April 7, 7 p.m.
- 1.
- We have not been neglecting the quiet dissemination of information and opinions among those Japanese who may be in a position actually or potentially to affect national policies. Although I have not been reporting the various occasions on which we have preached sound doctrine, a day rarely passes without our having been in contact for this purpose with one or more substantial Japanese. These interviews, along with information and views conveyed to persons in high position, are having a helpful effect which is now becoming perceptible. I need not enlarge in this connection on the contrast between the attitude of the country and the atmosphere which prevailed a few weeks ago and Japan’s attitude today. The changes should, of course, be attributed largely to the complete failure of the expectation that conclusion by Japan of an alliance with Germany would intimidate the United States into stark isolation, but I believe that we are being of considerable help to those rational elements which are cautiously exploiting the opportunity to recover some share in the reshaping of national policies. The increasing influence of those with whom we [Page 130] are in contact, including the personage referred to in our 123, January 27, 4 p.m., is gratifying.
- 2.
- I should like to make contact with Prince Konoye while he is acting Minister for Foreign Affairs and am planning to ask for an appointment some day toward the end of next week before Matsuoka returns about April 20. I would avoid giving any impression of taking initiative in the way of presenting proposal. The ostensible purpose of my visit would be to review the several conversations which Admiral Nomura has had with our Government in Washington, but I would expect to use the opportunity to present to the Prime Minister our general position with regard to developments in the Far East, especially with regard to Japan’s southward advance. I have sufficient material to make a forcible presentation but would be glad to receive by wire any further suggestions or instructions which the Department might wish to give me.
Grew