[Secret]
From: Washington
To: Tokyo
7 November 1941
(Purple)
#1055 (Part 1 of 3) (Part 2 not available)
At
0900 on this, the 7th, I, accompanied by Wakasugi, called on Secretary Hull at
his home. (Ballantine was also present.)
I
said that I had been instructed by my home government to explain to the
President and to the Secretary of State, Japan's attitude and position in the
hope of bringing about immediate settlement of the various problems involved in
the relationship between Japan and the United States.
In
way of replying to this, Hull said that at present there were two political
factions in this world which were at odds with each other and which were,
consequently, embroiled in an armed conflict. Neither faction is able to decide
the outcome speedily and hence there is a danger that they will be gradually thrown
into the chaos of anarchism.
If,
at a time like this, the United States and Japan simultaneously hit upon a
method of maintaining peace on the Pacific, it is quite possible that the world
may be saved from the apparently imminent chaos.
I,
therefore, said, in accordance with your various instructions, that:
1.
Of the three outstanding problems, agreements have been practically been
reached on two. With regard to the matter of garrisoning or withdrawing troops,
Japan is prepared to make the maximum concessions which can be permitted by the
domestic political conditions of Japan. ------ (9 groups missed here ------) I
urged that the United States cooperate in bringing about a speedy settlement on
that assumption.
24577
JD-1: 6372 (b) (D) Navy Trans. 11-10-41 (7)
Page
105
MEMORANDUM
In
JD-1: 6372 (b), the last paragraph on the first page of this message should be
changed to read as follows:
1.
Of the three outstanding problems, agreements have been practically reached on
two. With regard to the matter of garrisoning or withdrawing troops, Japan is
prepared to make the maximum concessions which can be permitted by the domestic
political conditions of Japan.
2.
From the viewpoint of U. S.-Japanese friendship in its broad sense, the U. S.
Government should take a philosophic attitude concerning present conditions, I
said, and I urged that the United States cooperate in bringing about a speedy
settlement on that assumption.
S.I.S. #24577.
[Secret]
From: Washington (Nomura)
To: Tokyo
7 November 1941
(Purple)
#1055 (Part 2 of 3) [a]
.
. . (I pointed out that):
3.
I have been instructed by my home government to fully explain Japan's
determination and Japan's position to the President and the Secretary of State,
and through such understandings to reach settlements as soon as possible.
4.
After six months of negotiations, the people of Japan are getting a little
impatient and that hence the situation there is becoming exceedingly critical.
For this reason, we are very anxious that these negotiations are brought to a
successful conclusion as soon as possible.
5.
In view of the very critical situation parallel negotiations in Tokyo are to be
conducted.
Explaining
that Japan is now displaying the maximum amount of good will and the utmost of
sincerity, I submitted the counter proposal which you sent us, to them. I
requested that the United States give it her consideration from the broad
aspect, and urged them to accept the terms contained therein.
Hull
carefully read this document. He nodded approval of the section concerning the
principle of non-discrimination, and commented that that way would prove to be
to Japan's interest. With regard to the section of garrisoning troops, he
simply asked what would be the proportion of those remaining to those being
withdrawn. I replied that much the greater part would be withdrawn and only a
small portion would be kept in China. I went on to explain our position with
regard to the "right of self-defense" issue, in accordance with your
instruction which I received today.
It
was decided that an answer to all of the points would be submitted after this
note had been carefully studied by them. They will submit their reply after my
interview with the President, at which time I shall endeavor to make more
detailed explanation.
24646
JD-1: 6372 (b) (D) Navy Trans. 11-12-41 (1)
[a] Parts 1 and 3-S.I.S. #24577.
[Secret]
From: Washington
To: Tokyo
7 November 1941
(Purple)
#1055 (Part 3 of 3) (Part 2 not available)
Hull
went on to say that as he had said on previous occasions, Britain, China, the
Netherlands and other countries had to be consulted regarding Japanese-U. S.
talks of maintaining peace on the Pacific. He let it leak out in this
connection that China was being consulted with regard to matters pertaining to
the China problems.
Hull
then said that he had happened to wonder what Japan's attitude would be if
there were the following developments: Supposing an influential and reliable
representative of China were to join in these talks. Supposing, further, that
this representative states that China is desirous of resuming friendly
relations with Japan, giving his pledge of true friendship and sincerity. What
would Japan's reaction be?
Wakasugi
asked whether he could assume first, that China's attitude had been
ascertained. Hull replied that the matter hadn't been taken up with China as
yet, and that it was just something that he as an individual had happened to
think of. If such a thing could be done, however, he continued, peace on the
Pacific would be maintained, and no doubt it would set an example for the world
and thus have a very favorable effect on it.
We
got the impression that he may have already discussed this matter with the
Chinese and that his plan was a consequence thereof. In either event, Hull
requested that this plan be struck upon, be relayed to the government of Japan
and its attitude on it be ascertained. I said that I would give it my
consideration.
24577
JD-1: (D) Navy Trans. 11-10-41 (7)
(EXHIBITS OF JOINT COMMITTEE , EXHIBIT NO. 1 INTERCEPTED DIPLOMATIC MESSAGES SENT BY THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT BETWEEN JULY l AND DECEMBER 8, 1941)