393.115/675: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Japan (Dooman)
Washington, June 23, 1939—5
p.m.
170. Your 286, June 21, noon.
- 1.
- On June 21 the Counselor of the Japanese Embassy called at the Department and, referring to the fact that when Ambassador Grew was here he expressed to the Japanese Ambassador deep concern with regard to the continued bombings of American properties in China by Japanese aviators, said that following the conversation with Mr. Grew the Japanese Ambassador had sent a cablegram to the Japanese Government urging that the Japanese Government take more effective steps toward stopping the bombings under reference. The Counselor continued that the Japanese Ambassador had asked him to convey to us expression of the Ambassador’s anxiety in regard to the effects of publishing the notes on bombing, particularly at this time.
- 2.
- Taking account of the approach made to the Department here and of the hope expressed by the Japanese Foreign Minister, the Department has decided to put aside for the moment the question of publishing the notes on bombing. It is earnestly hoped that the Japanese Government will take prompt and effective steps to stop the bombings.
- 3.
- The Department suggests that in your discretion you inform the Foreign Office informally of the substance of paragraph 2.
Repeated to Chungking and Peiping.
Hull