The United States and Japan's New Order in Asia

Report Outline
Abrogation of Trade Treaty with Japan
Japanese-American Relations Since 1933
Embargo Agitation; Effects of an Embargo
Alternative Solutions of Far East Problem

Abrogation of Trade Treaty with Japan

The Unsatisfactory Status of Japanese-American Relations, Under Strain Since Japan's Invasion of Manchuria in 1931, Was Signalized Last July by the Action of the American Government in Giving Notice of Its Intention to Abrogate the Japanese-American Commercial Treaty of 1911. While the Need of Revising Outmoded Provisions of the Treaty Was Cited Officially as the Reason for Its Denunciation, It Was Generally Assumed That the Administration's Decision Was Motivated by Political Factors. Termination of the Treaty January 26, 1940, at the End of the Required Six Months' Period of Notice, Will Remove an Obstacle to Application of an Embargo on Shipments of War Materials to Japan. Authority to Impose Such an Embargo Would Be Granted by Adoption of a Pending Joint Resolution Introduced April 27, 1939, by Senator Pittman (D., Nev.), Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee.

Reports that the United States had initiated, or was about to initiate, negotiations for a new commercial treaty with Japan were denied, November 22, by Acting Secretary of State Sumner Welles, who explained that “such matters will depend upon developments.” Denunciation of the old treaty was interpreted at the time as signifying administration support of the Pittman resolution, but it has been asserted recently that American officials now desire to avoid a revival of congressional demands for an export embargo. Pittman said, November 25, however, that he would urge adoption of his resolution at the next session of Congress.

United States And The Western Powers In China

Conclusion of the Russo-German agreement and the outbreak of the European war tended diplomatically to isolate Japan, partner of Germany and Italy in the Anti-Comintern pact, and correspondingly to improve the bargaining position of the United States, The fact that Ambassador Grew saw fit to deliver a sharply worded speech in Tokyo, October 19, indicated that this country intended to take full advantage of the current situation in efforts to exact full observance by Japan of American rights in China.