751G.94/253b: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Grew)
506. Press despatch under London date line November 26 reports the making by Japan of new demands for facilities in Indochina including (a) naval and air bases both on the Tongking Gulf and along Indochina’s southern China Sea coast and (b) control of Saigon.
Bearing in mind Department’s 334, September 3, 6 p.m.,61 paragraph (1), and related telegrams, Department desires that unless you perceive objection you approach the Foreign Minister and, referring to your previous conversations in regard to Japanese demands on and military activities in Indochina, inquire in regard to the accuracy of the report referred to above and emphasize that if the report should be correct, which the Department is reluctant to believe, Japanese action of the character indicated would unquestionably have a further unfortunate effect upon public opinion in the United States.
Sent to Tokyo via Shanghai. Repeated to Chungking and Peiping.