[Secret]
From: Tokyo (Foreign Minister)
To: Washington
October 8, 1941
Purple (CA)
Message to Berlin #873. Part 1 of 4.
Re
my #708 [a].
1.
The Japanese American negotiations began under the conditions described in my
aforementioned message during the Administration of the 2nd Konoye Cabinet.
There was, however, a rupture caused by the occupation of French Indo-China. We
hope by the penetration of French Indo-China to hasten the end of the China
trouble; to break the Anglo-American encirclement by joint defense; and to
procure raw materials. It is a measure taken in self defense. But England and
the United States brought to bear against us measures equivalent to an economic
blockade. Japanese-American relations deteriorated extremely and our internal
situation was perilously affected. In the meantime, the European War took the
trend of a protracted struggle. The fight between the Reich and the Soviet Union
contrary to the calculations of Berlin reached a deadlock. Now the Soviet is
going over to the Anglo Saxon camp and we must make ready to cope with this
situation. Moreover commerce is disrupted between Europe and Asia and liaison
between our country and Germany and Italy is for the time being severed.
Army 23221 Trans. 10/8/41 (S)
*See S. I. S. #20461-42 inclusive, giving the statement of the policy
and views of the Imperial Government.
[Secret]
From: Tokyo (Foreign Minister)
To: Washington
October 8, 1941
Purple (CA)
Message to Berlin #873 Part 2 of 4
All
the while England and the United States were strengthening their net about us
and we could see no means of concluding the Sino-Japanese affair. It was under
these conditions that the Imperial Government suddenly decided upon diplomatic
negotiations to terminate their struggle with the Chinese; to establish an area
of co-prosperity in East Asia; and to conserve our national resources in
preparation for the future. We feel that it is necessary to open the way for a
compromise in our relations with the United States.
2.
When we concluded the Three Power Pact, we hoped while maintaining amicable
relations with America, and to tell the truth through this very means, to
conclude the China trouble; to win the Soviet over to the
Japanese-German-Italian camp; to have Germany use her good offices between
Tokyo and Moscow (STAHMER said that Germany would be an honest go-between and
would be sure to bring about the solution of our troubles with the Kremlin and
OTT sent us a letter to the effect that he himself was going to work for an
understanding between Japan and the Soviet); to guarantee goods from the South
Seas to Germany and Italy who, in turn, were to give us mechanical and
technical assistance. But since then times have changed and unexpected events
have taken place. All that remains unchanged is Japanese-American relations and
that is about the only thing that could be patched up.
Army 23222 Trans. 10/8/41 (S)
[Secret]
From: Tokyo (Foreign Minister)
To: Washington
October 8, 1941
Purple (CA)
Message to Berlin #873 Part 3 of 4
At
the time Germany stated that she would not spare any effort to prevent a clash
between Japan and the United States and that she would even do all she could to
improve relations between the two countries (this was during the
MATSUOKA-STAHMER talks.) Then Japan and Germany felt the need of preventing the
United States from entering the war.
3.
The objective of the Japan-German-Italian Three Power Pact was to prevent the
expansion of the European war, to restrain the United States from
participating, and to establish universal peace. Statements exchanged at the
time make this perfectly clear but now the war covers the face of Europe. The
only placid expanse of water on earth is the Pacific. Under these
circumstances, it is felt that it is up to both nations to probe into the
causes of the trouble between their respective governments and to assure the
harmony of the Pacific. It is further felt that this coincides with the spirit
of the Three Power Pact.
Army 23223 Trans. 10/8/41 (S)
[Secret]
From: Tokyo (Foreign Minister)
To: Washington
October 8, 1941
Purple (CA)
Message to Berlin #873. Part 4 of 4
4.
It was with this view that the former cabinet began negotiations with
Washington and still today we feel the necessity of continuing them. On the
very occasion when Tokyo and Washington were arguing over our occupation of
French Indo-China, Prince KONOYE was moved to reopen negotiations and messages
were exchanged between him and President ROOSEVELT and ever since the
respective Governments have been endeavoring to lay the groundwork for the
opening of parleys through an exchange of opinions. We got our latest answer
from Washington on the 4th of October and we are studying it now. It is not
that we are divergent from our relations with the signatories of the
Tri-Partite Pact but we are continuing our negotiations hoping to end the China
affair. (The three principles of KONOYE envision a conclusion of hostilities
with China through basic treaty and the use of the United States to coerce the
CHIANG regime, to establish an area of co-prosperity in greater East Asia, to
procure materials, to prevent the expansion of the European war, to seal peace
in the Pacific area and to prevent the United States from entering the war. Of
course, however, we expect our ups and downs.) This is for your private
information.
Relayed
to Washington.
Army 23224 Trans. 10/8/41 (S)
(EXHIBITS OF JOINT COMMITTEE , EXHIBIT NO. 1 INTERCEPTED DIPLOMATIC MESSAGES SENT BY THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT BETWEEN JULY l AND DECEMBER 8, 1941)