500.A15a3/801: Telegram
The Chairman of the American Delegation (Stimson) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received March 28—1:20 p.m.]
172. The following telegram has been received from Castle, dated March 28, noon:
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I took your personal message for the Prime Minister8 immediately to Shidehara, who said that it was very friendly and that he himself would give it to Hamaguchi. A message from MacDonald was delivered in the same manner by the British Ambassador. Both he and Shidehara urged me not to attempt to see Hamaguchi personally, as to do so would produce a dangerous public reaction. If you were here you would understand the need of extreme caution. It is most essential to prevent private conversations with many influential men.
Much discussion has taken place in the press over whether or not the Japanese delegation is actually back of the agreement; the Navy intransigents are still calling it “the American proposal”, in spite of the fact that frequent denials have been made. The papers say that you discussed the question with Wakatsuki on March 25; I should find it very helpful to know the real attitude of the Japanese delegation.”