Repeated to Washington 58.

Hankey [1] gave farewell lunch to the Japanese Ambassador [2] and
asked me to support him. Only three of us present. Conversation
not unlike those I had with the Ambassador when you were in
London. [3] Ambassador reiterated his desire for a better
understanding and indicated that while in Japan he would counsel
moderation. Both Hankey and I, while emphasizing that we desired a
better understanding with Japan, told the Ambassador in the
clearest way that the stumbling block to doing anything to this
end was Japan's partnership in the Axis and more particular[ly]
[4] Mr. Matsuoka's [5] speeches.

I once more pointed out to the Ambassador that in my view Japan
had landed herself in an extremely unpleasant position from which
the only way to extract herself was to keep out of getting
embroiled in the present struggle. I stressed two unpleasant
alternatives that faced her if she did not, to the effect that if
she came in on the Axis side she would arouse hostility in the
British Empire and America in which atmosphere it would be very
difficult for her when the Allies had won, and if by any mischance
Germany won all that Japan would have to look forward to would be
Nazi domination in the Far East of the same type as in Europe.

Ambassador as usual took it all very well and did not in words
dissent.

For the first time in my conversations with him I sensed a
suggestion of hostility on his part towards Matsuoka. This
impression was confirmed in a conversation I have since had with
the Dutch Minister [6] who told me that when the Ambassador came
to say goodbye to him he had shown quite clearly his strong
personal dislike [of] Matsuoka.

BRUCE