[Secret]
From: Tokyo
To: Washington
11 November 1941
(Purple)
#763
Re
my #671*
With
regard to our representations to the United States in this matter, we have
received two representations from the Germans since then. On 6 November, I
advised the German Ambassador in Tokyo that in view of the present general
relationship between the United States and Japan, it was essential that this
matter be given very careful study. I explained that there is a good chance that
it would be more effective under the present circumstances, for us to present a
determined attitude rather than to merely make representations to the United
States. It is exceedingly doubtful, I pointed out, whether a mere
representation would bear any fruit.
24654
JD-1: 6416 (D) Navy Trans. 11-12-41 (S-TT)
*JD-1: 5901 (S.I.S. #23631). Tokyo wires Nomura secretly that the Axis countries are demanding that Japan send a message to the U. S. stating that if the Roosevelt administration does not cease attacks on the Axis, it would provide reasons for convocation of the Three Power Pact and lead to war with Japan. Toyoda has to date held up such a note as well as information on talks with the U. S. in order to further those negotiations but a warning note must now be presented by Japan in order to fulfill her obligations under the Tripartite Pact. (Msg. dated 16 October 1941)
(EXHIBITS OF JOINT COMMITTEE , EXHIBIT NO. 1 INTERCEPTED DIPLOMATIC MESSAGES SENT BY THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT BETWEEN JULY l AND DECEMBER 8, 1941)