[Secret]

 
From: Tokyo
To: Washington
15 October 1941
(Purple-CA)
#667

Regarding your #939* and #941**.

Your message has clarified many points regarding the situation and the matter can be charged up to Welles' state of agitation. However as I feel that further conversations with Wakasugi might be continued, please maintain contact and also bear the following points in mind:

(1) If we quibble over the argument set forth in paragraph 6 of your message #941**, it may give them an opening to insist on having the Four Principles included in the text proper of the agreement

However, since not only have the so-called basic American stipulations been omitted from the preamble of the American proposal of June 21st, but the reference is made in the final clause to the effect that the principles (stipulations) contained in the proposal of June 21st are also included in the document of October 2nd. We wish to hold to this and should take advantage of the American desire to use the proposal of June 21st as the basis of negotiations and continue our Conversations on the basis of the same proposal, without taking up the Four Principles independently.  

(2) Our proposal is nothing more than our proposal of September 16th incorporated into the American proposal of June 21st. However, there is no need for us to make any further move until the other side decides that it is impossible to clarify the concrete proposal any further. Therefore please discuss the points of variance between our proposal and that of June 21st and ascertain the United States intentions regarding the various points involved in the concrete proposal, and reply results.

(3) Due to the nature of this negotiation we wish to have it handled between Wakasugi and Welles, for the time being, and should progress warrant, to transfer the whole negotiation to be handled between you and the Secretary of State.

 
23706 
JD-1: 5933                                  (A) Navy Trans. 10-20-41 (2)
 
*JD-1: 5929 (S.I.S. #23704).
**Available, dated 13 October. (A 6 part message, only Part 4 available at present.)

 

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