[Secret]
 
From: Tokyo
To: Washington
19 November 1941
(Purple-CA)
#798
 

Re my #797*

 

The condition outlined by them namely "After the peaceful policies of Japan have been made more definite", we imagine would naturally have reference to the question of the three-power treaty. It does not mean merely that Japan will withdraw her troops from Southern Indo-China, and that then the U. S. will go back to conditions prior to the freezing act. It leaves the way open for the U. S. to bring up rather complicated terms.

 

On the other hand, the internal situation in our country is such that it would be difficult for us to handle it if we withdraw from Southern French Indo-China, merely on assurances that conditions prior to this freezing act will be restored. It would be necessary to have a proposed solution that would come up to the B** proposal. With the situation as urgent as it is now, it is of utmost importance that you play your hand for the amelioration of the situation, to the extent of the proposal in your message, then to push on for an understanding.

 

The Ambassador did not arrange this with us beforehand, but made the proposal contained in your message for the purpose of meeting the tense situation existing within the nation, but this can only result in delay and failure in the negotiations. The Ambassador, therefore, having received our revised instructions, (after reading our #797*, #800,*** and #801****) will please present our B** proposal of the Imperial Government, and no further concessions can be made.

 

If the U. S. consent to this cannot be secured, the negotiations will have to be broken off, therefore, with the above well in mind put forth your very best efforts.

 

We note what you say in your #1133***** and #1134*****, but in these negotiations consent can be given only within the scope of the instructions of this office. We would emphasize this.

 
S.I.S. #25040
JD-1: 6658                               (F) Navy trans. 11-20-41 (S-TT)
 
*JD-1: 6657. 
**JD-1: 6250, with additional paragraphs 5, 6, 7 in JD-1: 6528. 
***JD-1: 6660. 
****JD-1: 6661. 
*****Not yet available 
 

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