[Secret]
From: Tokyo
To: Washington
August 26, 1941
Purple
#505
Notwithstanding
representations made by us on successive occasions the United States is
treading a course which seems to be bent on exciting public opinion within our
country. Beginning the first day of September they are exercising stringent
limitations on gasoline shipments essential to our civilian population. At this
time they are planning to pass through waters adjacent to our shores with
cargoes of petroleum products which should be coming to us. The fact that they
are transporting these petroleum products to Vladivostock has dealt a severe
blow to the sensibilities of our government and people. At the same time that
this brings about grave effects upon Japan and American relations, a terrific
blow is being dealt by those in Washington to the whole country far more than
you can realize.
This
being the case, we are forced to cry out our disapproval of the realization of
such measures and the Ministry of Interior as well as the War Ministry are very
apprehensive. Therefore, because such measures are not in keeping with the
neutrality treaty between Japan and Soviet Russia nor in accord with the
interpretation of international law, I would like to have you make
representations again to the Secretary of State in order that he may reconsider
an immediate cessation of these measures from the general viewpoint of the
current Japan-American diplomatic relations. Wire me back as soon as you have
filed these representations.
In
the event the United States assumes the position that it is impossible to cut
off shipments of petroleum products to the Soviet, then as it seems advisable
to your Excellency make suggestions that they change the transportation route.
However, should they not comply with this request, either, I think it would be
wise to try to persuade the American authorities that they revive shipments of
petroleum products to Japan immediately.
Furthermore,
additional representations have been filed with the Soviet too, as of the 26th.
Army 21482. Trans 8/26/41 (S)
(EXHIBITS
OF JOINT COMMITTEE , EXHIBIT NO. 1 INTERCEPTED DIPLOMATIC MESSAGES SENT BY THE
JAPANESE GOVERNMENT BETWEEN JULY l AND DECEMBER 8, 1941)