893.00/14598: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 27—9:44 a.m.]
1208. In my various talks with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, I have received the impression that he is or was very inadequately informed with regard to the true situation in China pertaining to foreign trade and other foreign interests and from time to time I have endeavored to enlighten him on these matters. I think it could do no harm and might conceivably be helpful if in the course of some future interview the points brought out in Mr. Lockhart’s enlightening telegram No. 1258, November 15, 2 p.m., describing the deterioration of the political and economic situation in Shanghai, were brought to Mr. Matsuoka’s attention orally and informally as in line with his expressed desire and intention to take steps to remove obstructions to an improvement in the general situation under reference.
Please instruct.86
- In a reply dated December 3 the Department authorized the Ambassador in Japan to implement his proposal, and on December 17, the Ambassador, in an interview with the Japanese Foreign Minister, brought orally to his attention the twelve points set forth in Mr. Lockhart’s telegram.↩