Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1936, The Far East, Volume IV

894.6363/259: Telegram

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

Tokyo, March 20, 1936—8 p.m.
[Received March 20—10:45 a.m.⁷²]

77. Embassy’s 73, March 13, 4 p.m., American oil interests in Japan.

1. The American oil interests have informed the Embassy that they are about to enter into negotiations with the Mitsui interests for some solution of the oil problem in Japan. Details of the plan can be obtained from Standard Vacuum in New York. In view of the fact that the deadline for announcement by the oil interests of acquiescence with the law was supposed to be today, the Standard Vacuum has requested the Embassy to urge the suspension of the regulations until negotiations are completed.

2. This has already been done informally by the Embassy through Kurusu without mentioning the nature of the transaction. However, I propose to see the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs on Monday and to say to him that as very important negotiations are now taking place I would wish to see the regulations in regard to the storage of oil suspended until the negotiations are completed. The British Ambassador, who has consulted with me, will take the same action.

3. Unless otherwise instructed I shall take the indicated action on Monday.

Grew

72. Text printed from corrected copy received at the same time.