[Secret]
From: Tokyo (Togo)
To: Washington
December 6, 1941
PA-K2
#899 (Strictly Secret.)
1.
The recent occupation of Netherlands Guiana by American troops, or call it what
you will—occupation it is, is the first example in the present war of the
United States' invading South America. In the light of the Havana agreement,
French territory may next be expected to be taken over. As for the Good
Neighbor Policy, so far it has been used merely for getting military bases and
aeronautical rights together with certain economic and financial interest. But
now that the situation is tenser, the hitherto good neighbor, the United
States, will no longer hesitate to use arms. This at length has come to the
surface, and we must be on the strictest alert.
2.
Based on an agreement with France, we penetrated Southern French-Indo China for
joint defense. Scarcely were our tracks dry, when along comes good old
nonchalant America and grabs Netherlands Guiana. If she needs any of the
American countries for her own interest, hiding under the camouflage of joint
defense, she will take them, as she has just proven. This is a menace to the
Latin American nations; so will you please at every opportunity, impress upon
the Government and people of the country to which you are accredited that the
United States bodes them naught save ill. Moreover, please investigate the
following points and wire me back.
(1)
Has there been any other agreement or understanding established between the Netherlands
Government and the Latin American Nations and the United States besides the one
concerning Netherlands Guiana? If so, what is it like with reference say to
bases, troop movements, annexation, etc.?
(2)
The attitude of the country to which you are accredited toward this act of
aggression, and the trend of public opinion.
Please
send to all Ambassadors and Ministers in Central and South America (including
San Paula).
Sent
to Washington. Washington will send to Ottawa.
25868 Trans. 12/7/41 (7)
(EXHIBITS OF JOINT COMMITTEE , EXHIBIT NO. 1 INTERCEPTED DIPLOMATIC MESSAGES SENT BY THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT BETWEEN JULY l AND DECEMBER 8, 1941)