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

740.0011 P. W./372a: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Grew)

Washington, August 1, 1941—noon.

452. Reference my 451, August 1, 11 a.m.²⁸

1. After the Japanese Ambassador had delivered his Government’s message in regard to the bombing incident at Chungking and I had expressed appreciation, I took occasion to say to the Ambassador²⁹ that we have heard from authoritative sources that the Japanese are bringing or are about to bring pressure on the Government of Thailand similar to that which they have recently exerted against the French Government and the Indochina authorities; that we, of course, regard such reports with very serious apprehension; and that, speaking under instructions from the President, I wished to state that the proposal which the President made recently in relation to Japan’s contemplated procedure in and regarding Indochina would also extend to and cover any such contemplated procedure in and regarding Thailand. I requested that the Ambassador immediately inform his Government of this. The Ambassador replied that he would do so.

2. The President and I desire that you at the earliest possible moment inform the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the above.

Welles

28. Foreign Relations, Japan, 1931–1941, vol. i, p. 722.
29. See memorandum of July 31, 1941, ibid., vol. ii, p. 539.