FOREIGN RELATIONS, 1934, VOLUME III



793.94/6619: Telegram
     The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State

                                    TOKYO, April 26, 1934-9 p. m.
                                    [Received April 26-2: 10 p. m.]
  78. Department's 55.60 Instructions carried out at earliest possible
moment today. Hirota replied that only Amau could answer my
inquiry as to whether Fleisher's telegram was a reasonably correct
translation of Amau's statement because the latter's statement was
oral (see my telegram 77 61). The Minister's only comment was that
Amau had indulged in "high flown language" which as he had told
me yesterday had not had his own approval. The Minister, however,
added that he himself had approved the supplementary and explana-
tory statement made orally by Amau in the press conference of April
20, the substance of which was cabled to the American press on that
day.
  It has been impossible to locate Amau until this evening. He said
that his statement of the 17th was oral and informal and did not have
the approval of Hirota; that he issued no official text, either in Jap-
anese or English; and that he can authorize as official and authentic
only his statement of the 20th referred to above. He refused to verify
as a reasonably accurate" translation of his first statement, the version
telegraphed to the Herald Tribune.
  The following was sent to me late this evening by Hirota as the gist
of what Amau "said or should have said" on the 20th. The Minister
conveyed to me the message that this represents his true policy towards
China and that it may be given any publicity deemed desirable.
  (Translation) "Japan has not infringed upon China's independ-
ence or interests, nor has she the intention to do so. In fact, -she sin-
cerely desires the preservation of territorial integrity of China and her
unification and prosperity. These ends should, fundamentally speak-
ing, be attained by China herself through her self-awakening and vol-
untary efforts.
  Japan has no intention to trespass upon the rights of other powers
in China. Their bona fide financial and commercial activities will
redound to the benefit of China which is quite welcome to Japan. She,
of course, subscribes to the principles of the open door and equal oppor-
tunity in China. She is observing scrupulously all existing treaties
and agreements concerning that country.
  However, Japan cannot remain indifferent to anyone's taking action
under any pretext, which is prejudicial to the maintenance of law and
order in East Asia for which she, if only in view of her geographic
position, has the most vital concern. Consequently, she cannot afford

April 24, 6 p. m., p. 129.
April 26,5 p. m., p. 138.



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