[Secret]
 
From: Washington 
To: Tokyo 
18 November 1941 (Probable date of drafting) 
19 November 1941 (Intercepted) 
(Purple) #1129
 

Re your #784* and my #1106**.

 

During my talks with Hull on the 18th it became evident that he is thinking about readjusting the economic situation of the world after the conclusion of this war and that he has only a passing interest in the various problems of China. Furthermore, there are indications that the matter prognosticated by Ambassador Kurusu in the separate message, is also being given consideration by Hull.

 

As a matter of routine, of the three points contained in our Proposal "A". they are apparently desirous of first disposing the matter pertaining to non-discriminatory treatment. In view of this attitude on this subject, unless we delete from our Formula "A" that part which follows after "on the understanding", (as you are aware, Konoye's message contained no such qualification), and give them a more definite agreement, I fear that the progress of our talks may be impeded. This is, of course, not in accordance with our policy of a speedy settlement. Since our formula concerning non-discrimination is also contained in our "B" proposal, unless we reach an agreement on this point now, I fear that our Proposal "B" will not help matters any.

 

I realize thoroughly that there are domestic issues which make it very difficult. Please give your consideration to the deletion of that part which follows "on the understanding", etc.

 
25241
JD-1: 6758                                  (D) Navy Trans. 11-25-41 (1)
 
*JD-1: 6561 (S.I.S. #24880) Explanation of phrase "in the event that the principle of non-discriminatory treatment is applied to the entire world." We mean that it shall apply uniformly throughout the world. China included. Japan desires to apply it to China when world conditions are such that a majority of the nations are in favor of the principle. **JD-1: 6627 (S.I.S. #25085) "The following is the conversation I had with Hull on the 15th, the gist of which I reported to you previously."
 

(EXHIBITS OF JOINT COMMITTEE , EXHIBIT NO. 1 INTERCEPTED DIPLOMATIC MESSAGES SENT BY THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT BETWEEN JULY l AND DECEMBER 8, 1941)