711.94/1903
The Consul General at Canton (Myers) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 4, 1941.]
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Summary
Under the Japanese military organization in occupied areas the military are in charge of foreign relations which are, at least in the [Page 450] first instance, handled by younger officers who within the scope of their duties, it is claimed on good authority, cannot generally be overruled. As throwing sidelights on this situation as well as the rather common jealousies and bickerings between the two branches of the armed forces, mention is made of friction which developed between the two services in regard to the organization of the new quarantine service and the proposal of the navy that the Customs appoint “watchers” for ships plying between Canton and neighboring ports. Information, believed to be reliable, that the Commander-in-Chief of the Japanese forces in South China was recently recalled because of the invasion of Indo-China by Japanese troops from Kwangsi is mentioned in this connection.
Japanese officers charged with handling matters pertaining to foreigners have, in the experience of this office, shown little aptitude for such duties (of which several examples are given), in the performance of which they are prone to be guided by military considerations. Their attitude toward foreign interests, which may be described as obstructive, is expressed with respect to business in restrictions including Japanese controlled monopolies wherever feasible, and reflects the Japanese propensity for the exercise of complete control.
In conclusion, it is stated that Japanese military and naval officers charged with the handling of foreign relations seem to be in no mood to give merited consideration to any matter placed before them, that they have shown a callous indifference to foreign rights and interests, American, British, French and German, that protracted discussions, petty acts, and indecision characterize the actions of these officers and that in the light of such conditions it is not surprising that a progressive deterioration of Japanese relations with foreign countries has occurred.
Respectfully yours,