[Secret]

 
From: Tokyo
To: Net 
July 26, 1941
Red 
Circular #1616

Depending upon how Japanese relations with England and the United States turn out, we may have to consider divesting England and the United States of all their interests in China. If and when things come to the worst, I want all areas concerned to cooperate in either destroying or seizing the considerable mining and other industrial equipment and ships of these countries. Be particularly sure let nothing be taken away. I want you all to be ready at any moment to take this precautionary step of transferring the property of these two nations to our control.

Army 20144                                             Trans 7-28-41 (5)

 

(EXHIBITS OF JOINT COMMITTEE , EXHIBIT NO. 1 INTERCEPTED DIPLOMATIC MESSAGES SENT BY THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT BETWEEN JULY l AND DECEMBER 8, 1941)