FOREIGN RELATIONS, 1934, VOLUME III



I feel no useful purpose would be served in undertaking formal
representations in this case, especially in view of the fact of the
British Government's representations on behalf of their nationals
involved.
  4. However, as the attitude of the Japanese Consul General at
Mukden appears to have been discourteous and unsatisfactory I
believe this fact might be brought informally to the attention of the
Foreign Office here, and at the same time the opportunity might be
used in a discreet manner to ascertain the unofficial views of the
Japanese Government in the matter.
  5. Does the Department wish to authorize me to approach the
Foreign Office in the above sense?
  Copy my mail to Peiping.
                                                         NEVILLE

741.9411/217
     The Charge in Japan (Neville) to the Secretary of State

No. 989                                TOKYO, September 28, 1934.
                                            [Received October 22.]
  SIR: I have the honor to refer to the Embassy's previous despatch
No. 964 of September 7, 1934, and telegrams relative to the rumored
revival of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. As of interest in this con-
nection there is hereto appended a translation of statement made by
Foreign Minister Hirota in the House of Representatives Budget Com-
mittee on January 30th of this year.98 This statement, made many
months before the rumor was first heard, is of some significance inas-
much as in it the Foreign Minister clearly expressed regret at the
passing of the Alliance and stated, in effect, that he intended to coop-
erate with Great Britain in the spirit of the Alliance. This would ap-
pear to lend some weight to the Embassy's statement that "observers
do not believe that there is a written alliance, but do believe that there
is some sort of tacit agreement".
  The only newspaper editorial comment on the rumored alliance to
appear since my previous despatch was in the Hochi on September
Ist. A translation is hereto appended.98 The Hochi admits that there
are good reasons for the talk about revival of the Alliance, but con-
siders that a revival is impossible. At the same time it advocates
Anglo-Japanese cooperation "to maintain peace in the Far East",
and
hopes that Japan and Britain will come to a closer understanding.
  Respectfully yours,                           EDWIN L. NEVILLE

  9 Not printed.



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