Cablegram unnumbered TOKYO, 4 July 1940, 8 p.m.
MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET
Following from Hard [1]
I was present at an Embassy Conference at which information was
given that the Young Army group are getting out of hand and will
precipitate direct action on the least pretext. Decided change was
thought to be imminent on Manchukuo Emperor’s [2] departure over
the week-end, new Cabinet probably containing Shiratori as Foreign
Minister and involving extreme likelihood of Axis link up and
giving the militant party an impetus to carry on pre-arranged
plan. If an unfavourable proposal is submitted regarding the
Burmese Road, direct action will result, particularly in view of
the publicity given to the American announcement of inability to
prevent Japanese aggression in the Pacific. The Ambassador
suggests that I submit that Australia’s influence on home [i.e.
U.K.] Government would be appreciated to enable conciliation
measures for the removal of this pretext for aggression. Though
unwilling to commit herself on behalf of the general British
interests is there any likelihood of America rendering assistance
to Australia.
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1 Assistant Australian Government Commissioner in Japan.
2 P’u-yi.
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[AA: A981, FAR FAST 31, ii]
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