[Secret]
From: Tokyo
To: Washington
November 22, 1941.
Purple (CA) (Urgent)
#816.
So
it seems that the United States is reluctant to definitely promise to do
nothing to prevent the establishment of peace between Japan and China in
accordance with Clause 4 of Proposal "B". Well, if they will accept
our proposal "B", we will have no objection to letting President
ROOSEVELT be our introducer. Through his mediation, on the basis of the
American proposal (B) of the 12th, China would be made to express her friendly
intentions toward Japan, and, as a result, peace negotiations would ensue. Then
as soon as an armistice agreement were established between Tokyo and Chungking,
there would be no basis in fact for continuance of American assistance to
CHIANG KAI-SHEK. Thus, as a result of the mediation which President ROOSEVELT
would exercise, CHIANG KAI-SHEK would by the American Government be caused to
propose a cessation of hostilities. The American Government accordingly, hoping
for the establishment of amicable relations between the Japanese and Chinese,
should do her best to support our efforts in this direction and they should
make it clear that they will refrain from any act that would hinder us in
achieving this objective. Therefore, will you please endeavor to have the
Americans accept our "B" proposal and, in case an understanding is
reached, please endeavor by the date set in my #812 a to have the President
prevail upon CHIANG KAI-SHEK to send us a peace proposal (a very brief one will
be all right).
Army 25175 Trans. 11-24-41 (2)
*S.I.S. #25138 in which the deadline is extended from the 25th to the 29th.
Page
167
(EXHIBITS OF JOINT COMMITTEE , EXHIBIT NO. 1 INTERCEPTED DIPLOMATIC MESSAGES SENT BY THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT BETWEEN JULY l AND DECEMBER 8, 1941)