Papers relating to the foreign relations of the United States, Japan, 1931–1941, Volume I

793.94/14363

Statement by the Secretary of State⁸⁶

undated

In response to requests by the press for comments on the statement issued by the Japanese Government in regard to the situation in the Far East, the Secretary of State said that he felt it very important to view the situation in accurate and comprehensive perspective. The attitude of the United States and the position of the American Government in relations both with China and with Japan, as with other countries, are, he said, governed and guided by the generally accepted principles of international law, by the provisions of treaties to which the United States and numerous countries—among them China and Japan—are parties, and by principles of fair dealing and fair play between and among nations. This country’s position with regard to the situation in the Far East has, he said, repeatedly been declared, and this position remains unchanged.

86. Issued by the Department of State as a press release, November 4, 1938.