[Secret]
From: Tokyo
To: Washington
November 2, 1941
Purple (CA)
#723 (Part 1 of 2)
Day
before yesterday when I met the diplomatic corps, during the conversation I had
with the American Ambassador, I said, "I am very sorry that Japanese-American
relations have lately been growing worse and worse. If this continues, I fear
that unfortunate results will ensue. For six months, negotiations have been
dragging along, and our people are growing impatient. Therefore, I hope that a
speedy settlement will be reached. In this connection, I would like to ask your
friendly cooperation." I added, "It is necessary for the United
States, in order to arrive at a frank understanding, to relinquish its
theoretical procedure and view the Oriental situation realistically. For
example, when we come to the question of evacuation, there are other countries
besides Japan who actually have occupation forces in China. Furthermore,
although Outer Mongolia is considered a part of Chinese territory, the Soviet
has a considerable force stationed there. The United States must realize these
facts and understand our position." The Ambassador nodded to this and
promised cooperation. He said that he would like for the parleys between the
United States and Japan to proceed amicably.
Army 24293 Trans. 11/3/41 (S)
[Secret]
From: Tokyo
To: Washington
November 2, 1941
Purple (CA)
#723 (Part 2 of 2)
On
the 26th the British Ambassador came to see me on other business, and I said to
him, "The attitude of the United States is entirely too theoretical, and
if this continues there will be scant chance of a settlement. At the present
time I am very much concerned over this. If the negotiations turn out to be a
failure, cannot tell but what a lamentable situation will occur. Now you
English, who have such important interests in the Far East, would not like
this. I think that England ought to endeavor to improve
Japanese-English-American relations in order to reestablish and maintain the
peace of the world." The Ambassador replied that he would transmit what I
said immediately to London. I saw him again (yesterday?) and endeavored to
impart to him the impression that the situation is waxing more and more acute
and will not permit of procrastination.
Sent
also to London.
Army 24294 Trans. 11/3/41 (S)
(EXHIBITS
OF JOINT COMMITTEE , EXHIBIT NO. 1 INTERCEPTED DIPLOMATIC MESSAGES SENT BY THE
JAPANESE GOVERNMENT BETWEEN JULY l AND DECEMBER 8, 1941)