I see no objection to giving you the verbal reply you ask for.

Do you, Bransome ?" "None whatever, sir." "I leave it to you to put it in your own words," Mr.Smith continued.
"The affair is within your province, and the policy of His Majesty's Ministers is absolutely fixed." Sir Edward turned toward their visitor.
"Mr.Coulson," he said, "we are asked by your friend, in a few plain words, what the attitude of Great Britain would be in the event of a war between Japan and America.

My answer--our answer--to you is this,--no war between Japan and America is likely to take place unless your Cabinet should go to unreasonable and uncalled-for extremes.

We have ascertained, beyond any measure of doubt, the sincere feeling of our ally in this matter.

Japan does not desire war, is not preparing for it, is unwilling even to entertain the possibility of it.