[Secret]
From: Tokyo
To: Berlin
November 30, 1941
Purple (CA)
#985. (Part 1 of 3)[a]
Re
my Circular #2387. [b]
1.
The conversations begun between Tokyo and Washington last April during the
administration of the former cabinet, in spite of the sincere efforts of the
Imperial Government, now stand ruptured—broken. (I am sending you an outline of
developments in separate message #986 [c].) In the face of this, our Empire
faces a grave situation and must act with determination. Will Your Honor,
therefore, immediately interview Chancellor HITLER and Foreign Minister
RIBBENTROP and confidentially communicate to them a summary of the
developments. Say to them that lately England and the United States have taken
a provocative attitude, both of them. Say that they are planning to move
military forces into various places in East Asia and that we will inevitably
have to counter by also moving troops. Say very secretly to them that there is
extreme danger that war may suddenly break out between the Anglo-Saxon nations
and Japan through some clash of arms and add that the time of the breaking out
of this war may come quicker than anyone dreams.
Army 25552
JD: 6943 Trans. 12-1-41 (NR)
[a] Part 2 not available. For Part 3 see S.I.S. #25553
[b] Not available.
[c] See S.I.S. #25554, 25555.
[Secret]
From: Tokyo
To: Berlin
November 30, 1941.
Purple (CA)
#985. (Part 3 of 3)
4.
If, when you tell them this, the Germans and Italians question you about our
attitude toward the Soviet, say that we have already clarified our attitude
toward the Russians in our statement of last July. Say that by our present
moves southward we do not mean to relax our pressure against the Soviet and
that if Russia joins hands tighter with England and the United States and
resists us with hostilities, we are ready to turn upon her with all our might;
however, right now, it is to our advantage to stress the south and for the time
being we would prefer to refrain from any direct moves in the north.
5.
This message is important from a strategic point of view and must under all
circumstances be held in the most absolute secrecy. This goes without saying.
Therefore, will you please impress upon the Germans and Italians how important
secrecy is.
6.
As for Italy, after our Ambassador in Berlin has communicated this to the
Germans, he will transmit a suitable translation to Premier MUSSOLINI and
Foreign Minister CIANO. As soon as a date is set for a conference with the
Germans and Italians, please let me know.
Will
you please send this message also to Rome, together with the separate message.
Army 25553 Trans. 12-1-41 (NR)
(EXHIBITS OF JOINT COMMITTEE
, EXHIBIT NO. 1 INTERCEPTED DIPLOMATIC MESSAGES SENT BY THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT
BETWEEN JULY l AND DECEMBER 8, 1941)