711.008 North Pacific/212: Telegram

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

560. Department’s 308, November 19, 6 p.m., and 309, November 20, noon.

1.
We have no suggestion to offer with regard to the memorandum.
2.
As previously reported, the Minister for Foreign Affairs’ knowledge of English is not too secure and in order to prevent any misunderstanding it is my intention when presenting the memorandum also to leave with the Minister an aide-mémoire along the lines of the Department’s “supplemental comment and instructions”.
3.
However, before taking action I would appreciate clarification as to the precise use to be made of paragraph 4 of “supplemental comment and instructions”: Does the Department desire that I use the paragraph only as guidance in answering questions which the Minister might put to me now or later or is the substance thereof to be included in my initial written presentation of our Government’s views?
4.
Tomorrow is a Japanese national holiday and the Foreign Office will not be open.
Grew