From: Panama (Akiyama)
To: Tokyo
November 22, 1941
J-19
#321 (Part 1 of 4)
Strictly secret.
I suppose you are already
acquainted with these facts but the manner of defending the canal is now as
follows:
1. The United States is
publishing as though it were utterly true that a Troy horse has been found not
only among the foreigners in Panama but also in government circles. However,
this country replies that her principle is Panama for Panamanians. ARIAS stated
that though Panama was weak, if certain concessions were made to neighboring
countries, the United States might be defied. The United States, however, fixed
his regime good and proper. At present the canal officials are checking over,
one by one, 2,000 Germans, 700 Italians, and 400 Japanese.
2. I hear that the United
States has set up in Panama air bases (some of which have - - - - -), anti-aircraft
gun bases, and airplane detector bases (some of these detectors are said to be
able to discover a plane 200 miles away). Thus we see that in her policy toward
South America the United States is now exerting unprecedented pressure.
ARMY 26820 (Japanese) Trans. 12/25/41 (X)
From: Panama (Akiyama)
To: Tokyo
November 22, 1941
J-19
#321 (Part 2 of 4 [a])
Strictly secret.
In spite of the fact that
it is in violation of the treaty concluded in 1936, the United States is
coercing Panama where the canal is. She is expending vast sums of money there,
and if necessary will take still more drastic steps. However the difference in
the points of view is forever and eternally a cancer's growth in the relations
of the two countries.
3. From the Pacific to the
Atlantic coast, between Panama and Colon, there is no thoroughfare. The reason
why one has not been constructed, is that the jungle constitutes a natural
defense for the canal. As an indication of the United States' policy of
defense, lately they have begun to construct a road even of macadam which will
probably go as far as Colon. However it is not yet completed. This is an
exceptional case in preparation for the possible destruction of the canal. It
also seems that when complete the American continental highway will extend as
far as the borders of Colombia, but when this will be is uncertain.
ARMY 26821 (Japanese) Trans. 12/25/41 (X)
[a] Part 3, S.I.S. #26794. Part 1, S.I.S. #26820. Part 4 available, being translated.
From: Panama (Akiyama)
To: Tokyo
November 22, 1941
J19-K9
#321 (Part 3 Of 4 [a])
4. The United States
Government is going on the assumption that the attack on the Canal will be made
from both air and sea. Especially in preparation for a possible attack from the
Pacific side, it has reenforced the special fleet recently, as I have already
indicated in my telegram. They have mapped out an area 900 (kilometers?), with
the center of the radius at Panama, as a patrol area and are constantly
patroling it. The Army has built fortifications here and there in the territory
of Panama in which there are 16" and 14" gun emplacements. (These
forts are equipped with hygienic facilities. The soldiers are indulging in
pleasures. The distance - - - - - of the fortifications if - - - - - - - - - -
exceeds 1500 (kilometers?).) In addition, they are endeavoring to guard such
vital points as locks, spillways, and especially the control tower controlling
the spillway on Lake Gatun and the electric plant.
ARMY 26794 (Japanese) Trans. 12/25/41 (2)
[a] Parts 1, 2 and 4 available. Being translated.
From: Panama (Akiyama)
To: Tokyo
November 22, 1941.
J-19
#321 (Part 4 Of 4 [a])
The anti-air defenses (?)
on lock #1, which is now being used, are being improved. (Of course, there are
anti-air defenses (?) at lock #3.) The naval defense area, patrolled against
possible lightning attacks, extends in the north from Salina Cruz on the
Tehuantepec Isthmus to Monepene [b] (on ?) the Gulf of Fonseca. The southern
limits extend to the air base on the Galapagos Islands.
5. Present army strength
is 47,000; naval, 10,000; air force, 5,000 In addition, it is estimated that
there is approximately twice this general total, made up of the families and
laborers (excluding Panamanians).
Army 26830 (Japanese) Trans. 12-25-41 (X)
[a] For Parts 1, 2 and 3 of 4 see S.I.S. #26820, #26821 and #26794 which
report American military and naval preparations in the Panama region.
[b] Kana spelling.
(EXHIBITS
OF JOINT COMMITTEE , EXHIBIT NO. 2 JAPANESE MESSAGES CONCERNING MILITARY
INSTALLATIONS, SHIP MOVEMENTS, ETC.)