making what would appear to be a material change in strategy, the
Department doubts the wisdom of proceeding along the lines indi-
cated in the Foreign Office's instruction to Clive, as reported to us;
that on basis of such information as is now available the Department
is of the opinion that, with the exception of an oral and informal
paving of the way, perhaps by means of a joint call at the Japanese
Foreign Office by the senior officers in Tokyo of the British, Nether-
land and American Governments, at which time oral expression could
be given to the seriousness with which the concerned governments
view the situation under discussion, no further dernarche should be
made until the special representatives of the principally interested oil
companies now in the Far East, shall have had an opportunity, thus
introduced, to confer with officials of the Japanese Government; and
that, with a view to facilitating and expediting the exchange of views
between and among the British, Netherland and American Govern-
ments and of safeguarding confidential communication, the Depart-
ment continues of the opinion that in this matter the British Foreign
Office is, for reasons already given, the logical place for central clearing
point.
  2. We have informed Grew of our intention to communicate through
you with British Foreign Office and have instructed him to await
instructions.
  3. Toward clarifying our understanding of the position and pro-
posal of the British Foreign Office, Department would appreciate
being informed why the Foreign Office favors a further d'marche,
such as (Clive has under preparation, at this time.
  4. In order that there may be no ground for any suspicion that
we are mixing naval conference matters and other business, Dooman
should no longer appear in this matter except within the Embassy.
  5. Department feels that Embassy's 614 does not convey to De-
partment a clear impression of the conversation to which it related.
Please endeavor to get clear statements of Foreign Office views and
give special attention to reporting adequately and as soon as possible
on the conversation above directed.
                                                        PHILLIPS

894.6363/149: Telegram
   The Ambassador in Great Britain (Binghamt) to the Secretary
                             of State

                             LONDON, December 11, 1934-6 p. m.
                               [Received December 11-4: 30 p. m.]
  620. Department's 428, December 10, 8 p. m.
  1. During the conversation on December 7th with Dooman and
Millard, both Orde and Randall suggested that there was possibility



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