Office of the Historian

894.00/578: Telegram

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

Tokyo, February 28, 1936—6 p.m.
[Received February 28—7:50 a.m.]

45. Embassy’s 44, February 28, noon.

1.
The day has passed with many conflicting rumors but without armed combat. Obviously the diplomatic and other foreign communities have exhibited much anxiety during the day but present indications point to a relaxation of the tension.
2.
I have just been informed by a responsible official of the Foreign Office that the Commander of the First Division approached the insurgents this afternoon with an order that they obey the commands of the Emperor. The insurgents thereupon agreed to obey the Emperor’s commands and to return to their barracks but are negotiating as to when and under what conditions they will return. The flag of the insurgents still flies over the official residence of the Prime Minister and the loyal troops still occupy strategic positions throughout the area around the residence.
3.
Censorship on news despatches abroad was relaxed during the morning and foreign correspondents were able to talk freely by international telephone. This privilege was rescinded this afternoon and it is not known when free foreign communication will again be permitted.
4.
The death of Finance Minister Takahashi on the 26th has now been officially announced. As yet there has been little perceptible effect in financial circles, as the stock and bond markets are closed, but the newspapers report that there have been heavy withdrawals from deposits in banks throughout the country.
5.
One light cruiser and eight destroyers from Yokosuka tied up at Shibaura yesterday morning and the First Fleet arrived in Tokyo [Page 730] Bay this morning for guard duty. No bluejackets or marines have been landed except to guard the Ministry of the Navy.
6.
Several vernacular newspapers this morning commented in regard to the next Premier and Cabinet. The opinion was expressed that it would be difficult for Prince Saionji to advise the Throne in the present circumstances, as the apparent purpose of the uprising was to dispose of the “senior statesmen bloc” surrounding the Throne, but that it was most necessary to appoint a really national Cabinet composed of men of ability and headed by a man of great influence and upright character in order to correct the present emergency situation. No attempt has yet been made to forecast the name of the next Premier.

Repeated to Peiping.

Grew