[Secret]
From: Washington (Nomura)
To: Tokyo
November 16, 1941
(Purple)
#1107 (Departmental Secret) (Strictly Secret)
1.
I sent ARMSTRONG to the State Department on the 15th to have him feel out the
atmosphere (see my #1029 [a]). ARMSTRONG then informed TERASAKI that during the
last two days something happened, apparently, to make the President strongly
desire the maintenance of peace between Japan and the United States. (I dare
say, however, that the attitude of the United States toward us is just about
the same as always and that this is just a ripple on the sea. Nevertheless, as
we have heard the same thing from other quarters, I send it to you for what it
may be worth.)
2.
ARMSTRONG, furthermore, said that the advent of Ambassador KURUSU is having a
very good effect. (The newspapers, too, in general, have been showing
considerable good feeling. Two or three days before Ambassador KURUSU arrived
at his post, not only did news articles become quite friendly toward him, but
the press interviews in every place drew, in general, the most favorable
comments. Will you also, therefore, direct public opinion along these lines.)
Army #24978 Trans. 11/19/41 (2)
[a] S.I.S. #24475 which describes the organization of a committee for the promotion of friendly relations between Japan and America in which TERASAKI is liaison agent and through ARMSTRONG keeps in contact with the State Department.
(EXHIBITS OF JOINT COMMITTEE , EXHIBIT NO. 1 INTERCEPTED DIPLOMATIC MESSAGES SENT BY THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT BETWEEN JULY l AND DECEMBER 8, 1941)