711.94/1594: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:20 p.m.]
609. Our 573, July 13, 11 a.m.24 Intermediary had a conversation this morning with Mr. X who stated as follows:
When the Yonai Cabinet fell25 Mr. X was afraid it was too late to do anything because the Cabinet change was caused at least in part by increased pro-German tendencies. He felt he must act immediately so returned from Manchuria to Tokyo where he succeeded in laying his plans before the high officials including Prince Konoe26 and he feels he may have accomplished some good in so doing.
He feels, however, that it would be inadvisable for him to go to the United States now and that he must wait until the fundamental policies of the new Government have been ascertained. He does not know what these will be but he thinks that Prince Konoe will proceed slowly and with caution. Mr. X feels that it would be a mistake for him to oppose the popular trend now as this would tend to destroy his ultimate usefulness and that he must await a better opportunity.
He showed our memorandum to Mr. Matsuoka27 who stated that its value is destroyed by the indication that neither the American Ambassador nor the United States undertakes any responsibility [for] his visit.
Mr. X stated in reply to a question from intermediary that it might be possible for him to go to the United States later but that he must first watch the future trend of American-Japanese relations and the basic policy of the Konoe Cabinet.
He concluded by suggesting that in the meantime an effort be made to prepare for more positive action, i. e., that should another opportunity develop he be given a more positive and less lukewarm invitation.
I feel that no comment on my part is necessary.
Intermediary is reliably informed that Mr. X was invited to join the new Cabinet and refused.