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.)