694.1117 American Japanese Trade Commission/2: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Grew)
6. Your 7, January 11, 4 p.m. Last year the National Foreign Trade Council sponsored, it is understood upon Japanese initiative, the formation of an American-Japanese Foreign Trade Council. Later there was formed a similar American-Chinese Foreign Trade Council. Thereafter, the American-Chinese Council originated the idea of a visit to China under its auspices of a group of American business men who have had experience in China. Officers of the National Council and of the American-Chinese Council consulted with officers of the Department inquiring whether there would be any objection and were told that there would not be but that in all probability as soon as the project came to public knowledge there would arise difficulties of such character as you now point out. Interested parties have kept the Department informed of developments. The latest information is to the effect that the project is shaping up in the form of two “economic missions to the Far East,” one a mission to China, the other a mission to Japan, with also possibly a mission to the Philippines.
The Government is in no way a sponsor for this project. We have assured the promoters that the mission will be accorded such assistance in its travels as may properly be accorded American private citizens traveling abroad. The present tentative roster includes a considerable number of business men of substance experienced or interested in trade in the Far East. Its sponsors are aware of the considerations which the Embassy advances and of the desirability of following a course [Page 840] such as you recommend. The Department however will bring the substance of your telegram expressly to their attention.
For the present, it is believed that Department and Foreign Service should refrain from undertaking to explain the mission and should refer inquirers to the National Foreign Trade Council, which Council will presumably make its own announcement when its plans are matured and it deems the time opportune. In the interval you may in your discretion inform official inquirers confidentially that the missions will be strictly unofficial, that it is your understanding that the plans in connection with the project are not yet completed, but that it seems clear that the sponsors are viewing the problems presented in reasonable perspective and are earnestly endeavoring to shape the plans accordingly.