I have received to-day letter from the Minister for Foreign
Affairs [1] requesting me to bring to your notice a report from
Japanese Consulate General Sydney that 'on 26th February Minister
for the Navy, Mr. W. M. Hughes in a national radio broadcast
stated that the situation in the East is very critical but as long
as we have the support of America it is an easy matter to cook
(repeat cook) Japan'. [2]

This is accurate translation from Japanese of letter.

Letter proceeds 'It is not the first occasion that Mr. Hughes has
made unfriendly speeches but the above broadcast speech shows not
only an unfriendly attitude but it is provocative, aggressive and
disparaging and Imperialists are aggrieved. I would bring to your
notice that a speech from such a responsible Minister of his
standing has a great influence on our good national relations and
it is not to be desired.' [3]

LATHAM