711.94/2502: Telegram
The Chargé in Germany (Morris) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:20 p.m.]
4219. While there is no German comment on specific aspects of the situation in the Pacific, the semi-official Dienst aus Deutschland this afternoon makes the following statement:
“The authorities in Berlin are absolutely convinced that Japan in conducting its contact with Washington is guided by its determination to protect its vital interests as a great power in the Far East and [Page 705] to adhere to the principles of its foreign policy as laid down in various pacts. The relationship of confidence between Japan and the European Axis powers could therefore not be in any way impaired by the negotiations with the United States which aim at a peaceful clarification of the Far Eastern situation. The participation of Japan in the Berlin meeting of the anti-Comintern powers was itself sufficient evidence that the principles of Japanese foreign policy could not be affected by the attempt to reach a diplomatic settlement with Washington.”
The Dienst aus Deutschland further states that Berlin is not in any way disturbed at the alarming reports coming from British and American sources in the past day or two regarding the Far East since it considers such stories to be primarily a weapon used by Washington in the hope of extorting concessions from Japan.