WHY THE JAPANESE RESPECTED ROOSEVELT 101

Minister of Manchukuo to Japan, while the wreath from the Diplo-
matic Corps was in the third place. His interpreter who was with
him had read the inscriptions.

My colleague thinks the Soviet-Japanese situation very tense
and that any serious incident might precipitate a conflict. He con-
siders that the Russians have become much less yielding in their
attitude and that the Japanese are genuinely afraid of-air raids from
Vladivostok. He had not heard of the United Press dispatch from
Moscow yesterday reporting the shooting down of Japanese aero-
planes over Soviet territory and the sinking of Japanese auxiliary
warships off Kamchatka. I have summarized this conversation in a
confidential dispatch to the State Department.

THE SOVIET AMBASSADOR PAYS HIS RESPECTS

November 20, 1933

At ii, Yurenev, the Soviet Ambassador, made his official call
after our recognition of the Soviet Union. I received him in my
study at the Residence and we pledged each other's healths in some
excellent sherry. I believe he played a prominent part in the revolt
of the Russian Navy at the very beginning of the Revolution. He
has been Ambassador to Italy and Minister both to Persia and
Austria, so must have accumulated considerable diplomatic experi-
ence. He says that Russia will not cede an inch on the Chinese
Eastern Railway, and gives an impression of pessimism as to the
future relations of the two countries. He is clearly overjoyed at our
recognition and very, very friendly.

I returned his call within the hour and was regaled at the Soviet
Embassy with a wineglass full of cherry brandy and delicious caviare
sandwiches. The Embassy is a new and ultra-modern building, and
with its large bright rooms it might be made very attractive. In-
cidentally, I profit by the recognition of Soviet Russia to the extent
of a large tin of fresh delicious caviare. Can't think what to send
him in return, as he doesn't smoke cigars.

Troyanovsky's appointment to Washington is an excellent selec-
tion. The fact that they picked their principal Japanese expert for
Washington is regarded here as intensely significant

WHY THE JAPANESE RESPECTED ROOSEVELT

November 30, Thanksgiving Day, 1933 *

Read the President's Proclamation in church. There was a fine
turnout of Americans, including most of the Embassy, and the clergy
was well represented by Bishop Reifsnider, Father Burton, Dr.
Gtowan, Dr. Evans, and another clergyman from the Union
Church.

There was a significant allusion in the Proclamation to " a clearer
knowledge by all nations that we seek ho conquests and ask only