INVESTIGATION OF THE PEARL HARBOR ATTACK -- REPORT OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON THE INVESTIGATION OF THE PEARL HARBOR ATTACK

PEARL HARBOR ATTACK           450

ANNEX B

Draft Proposal Handed by Secretary Hull to Ambassador Nomura on June 21
(Washington time)

Unofficial, Exploratory And Without Commitment

[WASHINGTON,] June 21, 1941.

The Governments of the United States and of Japan accept joint
responsibility for the initiation and conclusion of a general agreement
of understanding as expressed in a joint declaration for the resumption
of traditional friendly relations.

Without reference to specific causes of recent estrangement, it is the
sincere desire of both Governments that the incidents which led to the
deterioration of amicable sentiment between their countries should be
prevented from recurrence and corrected in their unforeseen and
unfortunate consequences.

It is our earnest hope that, by a cooperative effort, the United States
and Japan may contribute effectively toward the establishment and
preservation of peace in the Pacific area and, by the rapid consummation
of an amicable understanding, encourage world peace and arrest, if not
dispel, the tragic confusion that now threatens to engulf civilization.

For such decisive action, protracted negotiations would seem ill-suited
and weakening. Both Governments, therefore, desire that adequate
instrumentalities should be developed for the realization of a general
understanding which would bind, meanwhile, both Governments in honor and
in act.

It is the belief of the two Governments that such an understanding
should comprise only the pivotal issues of urgency and not the accessory
concerns which could be deliberated later at a conference.

Both Governments presume to anticipate that they could achieve
harmonious relations if certain situations and attitudes were clarified
or improved; to wit:

1. The concepts of the United States and of Japan respecting
international relations and the character of nations.

2. The attitudes of both Governments toward the European war.

3. Action toward a peaceful settlement between China and Japan.

4. Commerce between both nations.

5 Economic activity of both nations in the Pacific area.

6 The policies of both nations affecting political stabilization in the
Pacific area.

7. Neutralization of the Philippine Islands.

Accordingly, the Government of the United States and the Government of
Japan have come to the following mutual understanding and declaration of
policy:

PEARL HARBOR ATTACK             451

I. The concepts of the United States and of Japan respecting
international relations and the character of nations.

Both governments affirm that their national policies are directed toward
the foundation of a lasting peace and the inauguration of a new era of
reciprocal confidence and cooperation between our peoples.

Both Governments declare that it is their traditional, and present
concept and conviction that nations and races compose, as members of a
family, one household living under the ideal of universal concord
through justice and equity; each equally enjoying rights and admitting
responsibilities with a mutuality of interests regulated by peaceful
processes and directed to the pursuit of their moral and physical
welfare, which they are bound to defend for themselves as they are bound
not to destroy for others; they further admit their responsibilities to
oppose the oppression or exploitation of other peoples.

Both Governments are firmly determined that their respective traditional
concepts on the character of nations and the underlying moral principles
of social order and national life will continue to be preserved and
never transformed by foreign ideas or ideologies contrary to those moral
principles and concepts.

II. The attitudes of both Governments toward the European war.

The Government of Japan maintains that the purpose of the Tripartite
Pact was, and is, defensive and is designed to contribute to the
prevention of an unprovoked extension of the European war.

The Government of the United States maintains that its attitude toward
the European hostilities is and will continue to be determined solely
and exclusively by considerations of protection and self-defense: its
national security and the defense thereof.

NOTE (There is appended a suggested draft of an exchange of letters as a
substitute for the Annex and Supplement on the Part of the Government of
the United States on this subject which constituted a part of the United
States draft of May 31, 1941.

III. Action toward a peaceful settlement between China and Japan.

The Japanese Government having communicated to the Government of the
United States the general terms within the framework of which the
Japanese Government will propose the negotiation of a peaceful
settlement with the Chinese Government, which terms are declared by the
Japanese Government to be in harmony with the Konoe principles regarding
neighborly friendship and mutual respect of sovereignty and territories
and with the practical application of those principles, the President of
the United States will suggest to the Government of China that the
Government of China and the Government of Japan enter into a negotiation
on a basis mutually advantageous and acceptable for a termination of
hostilities and resumption of peaceful relations.

NOTE (The foregoing draft of Section III is subject to further
discussion of the question of cooperative defense against communistic
activities, including the stationing of Japanese troops in Chinese
territory, and the question of economic cooperation between China and
Japan. With regard to suggestions that the, language of Section III be
changed, it is believed that consideration of any suggested change can
most advantageously be given

452                  PEARL HARBOR ATTACK

after all the points in the annex relating to this section have been
satisfactorily worked out, when the section and its annex can, be viewed
as a whole.)

IV. Commerce between both nations.

When official approbation to the present understanding has been given by
both Governments, the United States and Japan shall assure each other
mutually to supply such commodities as are, respectively, available and
required by either of them. Both Governments further consent to take
necessary steps to resume normal trade relations as formerly established
under the Treaty of Commerce and Navigation between the United States
and Japan. If a new commercial treaty is desired by both Governments, it
would be negotiated as soon as possible and be concluded in accordance
with usual procedures.

V. Economic activity of both nations in the Pacific area.

On the basis of mutual pledges hereby given that Japanese activity and
American activity in the Pacific area shall be carried on by peaceful
means and in conformity with the principle of non-discrimination in
international commercial relations, the Japanese Government and the
Government of the United States agree to cooperate each with the other
toward obtaining non-discriminatory access by Japan and by the United
States to commercial supplies of natural resources (such as oil, rubber,
tin, nickel) which each country needs for the safeguarding and
development of its own economy.

VI. The policies of both nations affecting political stabilization in
the Pacific area.

Both Governments declare that the controlling policy underlying this
understanding is peace in the Pacific area; that it is their fundamental
purpose, through cooperative effort, to contribute to the maintenance
and the preservation of peace in the Pacific area; and that neither has
territorial designs in the area mentioned.

VII. Neutralization of the Philippine Islands.

The Government of Japan declares its willingness to enter at such time
as the Government of the United States may desire into negotiation with
the Government of the United States with a view to the conclusion of a
treaty for the neutralization of the Philippine Islands, when Philippine
independence shall have been achieved.

[Annex 1 to Annex B]

ANNEX AND SUPPLEMENT ON THE PART OF THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT

III. Action toward a peaceful settlement between China and Japan.

The basic terms as referred to in the above section are as follows:

1. Neighborly friendship.

2. (Cooperative defense against injurious communistic activities 
including the stationing of Japanese troops in Chinese territory.)
Subject to further discussion.

3. (Economic cooperation.) Subject to agreement on an exchange of
letters in regard to the application to this point of the principle of
non-discrimination in international commercial relations.

4. Mutual respect of sovereignty and territories.

PEARL HARBOR ATTACK             453

5. Mutual respect for the inherent characteristics of each nation
cooperating as good neighbors and forming an East Asian nucleus
contributing to world Peace.

6. Withdrawal of Japanese armed forces from Chinese territory as
promptly as possible and in accordance with an agreement to be concluded
between Japan and China.

7. No annexation.

8. No indemnities.

9. Amicable negotiation in regard to Manchoukuo.

[Annex 2 to Annex B]

ANNEX AND SUPPLEMENT ON THE PART OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES

IV. Commerce between both nations.

It is understood that during the present international emergency Japan
and the United States each shall permit export to the other of
commodities in amounts up to the figures of usual or pre-war trade,
except, in the case of each, commodities which it needs for its own
purposes of security and self-defense. These limitations are mentioned
to clarify the obligations of each Government. They are not intended as
restrictions against either Government; and, it is understood, both
Governments will apply such regulations in the spirit dominating
relations with friendly nations.

[Annex 3 to Annex B]

SUGGESTED EXCHANGE OF LETTERS BETWEEN THE SECRETARY OF STATE AND THE
JAPANESE AMBASSADOR

The Secretary of State to the Japanese Ambassador:

EXCELLENCY: In Section II of the Joint Declaration which was entered
into today on behalf of our two Governments, statements are made with
regard to the attitudes of the two Governments toward the European war.
During the informal conversations which resulted in the conclusion of
this Joint Declaration I explained to you on a number of occasions the
attitude and policy of the Government of the United States toward the
hostilities in Europe and I pointed out that this attitude and policy
were based on the inalienable right of self-defense. I called special
attention to an address which I delivered on April 24 setting forth
fully the position of this Government upon this subject.

I am sure that you are fully cognizant of this Government's attitude
toward the European war but in order that there may be no
misunderstanding I am again referring to the subject. I shall be glad to
receive from you confirmation by the Government of Japan that, with
regard to the measures which this nation may be forced to adopt in
defense of its own security, which have been set forth as indicated, the
Government of Japan is not under any commitment which would require
Japan to take any action contrary to or destructive of the fundamental
objective of the present agreement, to establish and to preserve peace
in the Pacific area.

Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.

454             PEARL HARBOR ATTACK

The Japanese Ambassador to the Secretary of State:

EXCELLENCY: I have received your letter of June .

I wish to state that my Government is fully aware of the attitude of the
Government of the United States toward the hostilities in Europe as
explained to me by you during our recent conversations and as set forth
in your address of April 24. I did not fail to report to my Government
the policy of the Government of the United States as it had been
explained to me, and I may assure you that my Government understands and
appreciates the attitude and position of the Government of the United
States with regard to the European war.

I wish also to assure you that the Government of Japan, with regard to
the measures which the Government of the United States may be forced to
adopt in defense of its own security, is not under any commitment
requiring Japan to take any action contrary to or destructive of the
fundamental objective of the present agreement

The Government of Japan, fully cognizant of its responsibilities freely
assumed by the conclusion of this agreement, is determined to take no
action inimical to the establishment and preservation of peace in the
Pacific area.

Accept, Excellency, the assurances of my most distinguished
consideration.

[Annex 4 to Annex B]

SUGGESTED LETTER To BE ADDRESSED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO THE
JAPANESE AMBASSADOR IN CONNECTION WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION

EXCELLENCY: In the informal conversations which resulted in the
conclusion of a general agreement of understanding between our two
Governments, you and your associates expressed fully and frankly views
on the intentions of the Japanese Government in regard to applying to
Japan's proposed economic cooperation with China the principle of non-
discrimination in international commercial relations. It is believed
that it would be helpful if you could be so good as to confirm the
statements already expressed orally in the form of replies on the
following points:

1. Does the term "economic cooperation" between Japan and China
contemplate the granting by the Government of China to the Japanese
Government or its nationals of any preferential or monopolistic rights
which would discriminate in favor of the Japanese Government and
Japanese nationals as compared with the Government and nationals of the
United States and of other third countries? Is it contemplated that upon
the inauguration of negotiations for a peaceful settlement between Japan
and China the special Japanese companies, such as the North China
Development Company and the Central China Promotion Company and their
subsidiaries, will be divested, in so far as Japanese official support
may be involved, of any monopolistic or other preferential rights that
they may exercise in fact or that may inure to them by virtue of present
circumstances in areas of China under Japanese military occupation?

2. With regard to existing restrictions upon freedom of trade and travel
by nationals of third countries in Chinese territory

PEARL HARBOR ATTACK            455

under Japanese military occupation, could the Japanese Government
indicate approximately what restrictions will be removed immediately
upon the entering into by the Government of Chungking of negotiations
with the Government of Japan and what restrictions will be removed at
later dates, with an indication in each case in so far as possible of
the approximate time within which removal of restrictions would be
effected?

3. Is it the intention of the Japanese Government that the Chinese
Government shall exercise full and complete control of matters relating
to trade, currency and exchange? Is it the intention of the Japanese
Government to withdraw and to redeem the Japanese military notes which
are being circulated in China and the notes of Japanese-sponsored
regimes in China? Can the Japanese Government indicate how soon after
the inauguration of the contemplated negotiations arrangements to the
above ends can in its opinion be carried out?

It would be appreciated if as specific replies as possible could be made
to the questions above listed.

Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.

(Ex. 29, Vol. II, pp. 486-492.)

PEARL HARBOR ATTACK        456

ANNEX C

TEXT OF BASIC JAPANESE TERMS OF PEACE WITH CHINA

1. Neighborly friendship.

2. Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

3. Cooperative defense between Japan and China.

Cooperation between Japan and China for the purposes of preventing
communistic and other subversive activities which may constitute a
menace to the security of both countries and of maintaining the public
order in China.

Stationing of Japanese troops and naval forces in certain areas in the
Chinese territory for a necessary period for the purposes referred to
above and in accordance with the existing agreements and usages.

4. Withdrawal of Japanese armed forces.

The Japanese armed forces which have been dispatched to China for
carrying out the China Affairs will be withdrawn from China upon the
settlement of the said Affairs, excepting those troops which come under
point 3.

5. Economic cooperation.

(a) There shall be economic cooperation between Japan and China, having
the development and utilization of essential materials for national
defense in China as its principal objective.

(b) The preceding paragraph does not mean to restrict any economic
activities by third Powers in China so long as they are pursued on an
equitable basis.

6. Fusion of the Chiang Kai-shek regime and the Wang Ching-wei
Government.

7 No annexation.

8 No indemnities.

9. Recognition of Manchoukuo. (Ex. 29, Vol. II, p. 633)

PEARL HARBOR ATTACK      457

ANNEX D

Japanese Proposals Submitted to Secretary Hull on September 27

(Washington time)

The Governments of Japan and of the United States accent joint
responsibility for the initiation and conclusion of a general agreement
of understanding as expressed in a joint declaration for the resumption
of traditional friendly relations.

Without reference to specific causes of recent estrangement, it is the
sincere desire of both Governments that the incidents which led to the
deterioration of the amicable sentiment between their countries should
be prevented from recurrence and corrected in their unforeseen and
unfortunate consequences.

It is the earnest hope of both Governments that, by a cooperative
effort, Japan and the United States may contribute effectively toward
the establishment and preservation of peace in the Pacific area and, by
the rapid consummation of an amicable understanding, encourage world
peace and arrest, if not dispel, the tragic confusion that now threatens
to engulf civilization.

For such decisive action, protracted negotiations would seem ill-suited
and weakening. Both Governments, therefore, desire that adequate
instrumentalities should be developed for the realization of a general
understanding which would bind, meanwhile, both Governments in honor and
in act.

It is the belief of both Governments that such an understanding should
comprise only the pivotal issues of urgency and not the accessory
concerns which could be deliberated later at a conference.

Both Governments presume to anticipate that they could achieve
harmonious relations if certain situations and attitudes were clarified
or improved; to wit:

1. The concepts of Japan and of the United States respecting
international relations and the character of nations.

2. The attitudes of both Governments toward the European War.

3. Action toward a peaceful settlement between Japan and China.

4. Commerce between both nations.

5. Economic problems in the Southwestern Pacific area.

6. The policies of both nations affecting political stabilization in the
Pacific area.

Accordingly, the Government of Japan and the Government of the United
States have come to the following mutual understanding and declaration
of policy:

I. The concepts of Japan and of the United States respecting
international relations and the character of nations.

Both Governments affirm that their national policies are directed toward
the foundation of a lasting peace and the inauguration of a

458             PEARL HARBOR ATTACK

new era of reciprocal confidence and cooperation between the peoples of
both countries.

Both Governments declare that it is their traditional, and present,
concept and conviction that nations and races compose, as members of a
family, one household living under the ideal of universal concord
through justice and equity; each equally enjoying rights and admitting a
responsibilities with a mutuality of interests regulated by peaceful
processes and directed to the pursuit of their moral and physical
welfare, which they are bound to defend for themselves as they are bound
not to destroy for others; they further admit their responsibilities to
oppose the oppression or exploitation of other peoples.

Both Governments are firmly determined that their respective traditional
concepts on the character of nations and the underlying moral principles
of social order and national life will continue to be preserved and
never transformed by foreign ideas or ideologies contrary to those moral
principles and concepts.

II. The attitudes of both Governments toward the European War.

Both Governments maintain it their common aim to bring about peace in
the world, and, when an opportune time arrives, they will endeavor
jointly for the early restoration of world peace

With regard to developments of the situation prior to the restoration of
world peace, both Governments will be guided in their conduct by
considerations of protection and self-defense; and, in case the United
States should participate in the European War, Japan would decide
entirely independently in the matter of interpretation of the Tripartite
Pact between Japan, Germany and Italy, and would likewise determine what
actions might be taken by way of fulfilling the obligations in
accordance with the said interpretation.

III. Action toward a peaceful settlement between Japan and China.

Both Governments, taking cognizance of the fact that the settlement of
the China Affair has a vital bearing upon the peace of the entire
Pacific area and consequently upon that of the world, will endeavor to
expedite a rapid realization of the settlement of the said Affair.

The Government of the United States, recognizing the effort and the
sincere desire on the part of the Japanese Government concerning the
peaceful settlement of the China Affair, will, with the intention of
facilitating the realization of the settlement, render its good offices
in order that the Chungking Government may promptly enter into
negotiations with the Government of Japan for a termination of
hostilities and a resumption of peaceful relations, and will refrain
from resorting to any measures and actions which might hamper the
measures and efforts of the Government of Japan directed toward the
settlement of the China Affair.

The Government of Japan maintains that the basic general terms of peace
for the settlement of the China Affair will be in harmony with the
principles embodied in the Konoye statement, and those agreements
between Japan and China and those matters which have been put into
effect in accordance with the said statement; that the economic
cooperation between Japan and China will be carried on by peaceful means
and in conformity with the principle of non-discrimination in the
international commercial relations and also with

PEARL HARBOR ATTACK         459

the principle of especially close relationship which is natural between
neighboring countries; and that the economic activities of third Powers
in China will not be excluded so long as they are pursued on an
equitable basis.

NOTE: There is appended a draft of the basic terms of peace between
Japan and China.

IV. Commerce between Japan and the United States.

Both Governments agree to take without delay measures necessary for
resuming normal trade relations between the two countries.

Both Governments guarantee each other that they will, as the first of
the measures envisaged in the preceding paragraph, discontinue
immediately the measures of freezing assets now being enforced, and that
they will supply mutually such commodities as are, respectively,
available and required by either of them.

V. Economic problems in the Southwestern Pacific area.

Both Governments mutually pledge themselves that the economic activities
of Japan and the United States in the Southwestern Pacific area shall be
carried on by peaceful means and in conformity with the principle of
non-discrimination in the international commercial relations in
pursuance of the policy stated in the preceding paragraph, both
Governments agree to cooperate each with the other towards the creation
of conditions of international trade and international investment under
which both countries will have a reasonable opportunity to secure
through the trade process the means of acquiring those goods and
commodities which each country needs for the safeguarding and
development of its own economy.

Both Governments will amicably cooperate for the conclusion and
execution of agreements with the Powers concerned in regard to the
production and supply, on the basis of non-discrimination, of such
specific commodities as oil, rubber, nickel, and tin.

VI. The policies of both nations affecting political stabilization in
the Pacific area.

Both Governments, taking cognizance of the fact that it is a matter of
vital importance to stabilize promptly the situation in the Southwestern
Pacific area, undertake not to resort to any measures and actions which
may jeopardize such stabilization. The Government of Japan will not make
any armed advancement, using French Indochina as a base, to any adjacent
area thereof (excluding China), and upon the establishment of an
equitable peace in the Pacific area, will withdraw its troops which are
now stationed in French Indochina.

The Government of the United States will alleviate its military measures
in the Southwestern Pacific area.

Both Governments declare that they respect the sovereignty and
territorial integrity of Thailand and Netherland East Indies, and that
they are prepared to conclude an agreement concerning the neutralization
of the Philippine Islands when its independence will have been achieved.

The Government of the United States guarantees non-discriminatory
treatment of the Japanese nationals in the Philippine Islands.

[Here follows text of basic terms of peace between Japan and China set
forth in Annex C above.]

(Ex. 29, Vol. II, pp. 637-640.)

PEARL HARBOR ATTACK       460

ANNEX E

(TEXT OF JAPANESE GOVERNMENTS REPLY TO UNITED STATES NOTE OF NOVEMBER
26, 1941, AS INTERCEPTED AND DECODED IN WASHINGTON PRIOR TO DELIVERY TO
SECRETARY HULL BY THE JAPANESE AMBASSADORS)

(Part 1 of 14)

MEMORANDUM

1. The Government of Japan, prompted by a genuine desire to come to an
amicable understanding with the Government of the United States in order
that the two countries by their joint efforts may secure the peace of
the Pacific area and thereby contribute toward the realization of world
peace, has continued negotiations with the utmost sincerity since April
last with the Government of the United States regarding the adjustment
and advancement of Japanese-American relations and the stabilization of
the Pacific area.

The Japanese Government has the honor to state frankly its views,
concerning the claims the American Government has persistently
maintained as well as the measures the United States and Great Britain
have taken toward Japan during these eight months.

2. It is the immutable policy of the Japanese Government to insure the
stability of East Asia and to promote world peace, and thereby to enable
all nations to find each its proper place in the world.

Ever since the China Affair broke out owing to the failure on the part
of China to comprehend Japan's true intentions, the Japanese Government
has striven for the restoration of peace and it has consistently exerted
its best efforts to prevent the extension of war-like disturbances. It
was also to that end that in September last year Japan concluded the Tri
Partite Pact with Germany and Italy.

(Part 2 of 14)

However, both the United States and Great Britain have resorted to every
possible measure to assist the Chungking regime so as to obstruct the
establishment of a general peace between Japan and China, interfering
with Japan's constructive endeavours toward the stabilization of East
Asia, exerting pressure on The Netherlands East Indies, or menacing
French Indo-China, they have attempted to frustrate Japan's aspiration
to realize the ideal of common prosperity in cooperation with these
regions. Furthermore, when Japan in accordance with its protocol with
France took measures of joint defense of French Indo-China, both
American and British governments, willfully misinterpreted it as a
threat to their own possession and inducing the Netherlands government
to follow suit, they enforced the assets freezing order, thus severing
economic relations with Japan. While manifesting thus an obviously
hostile attitude, these countries

PEARL HARBOR ATTACK         461

have strengthened their military preparations perfecting an encirclement
of Japan, and have brought about a situation which endangers the very
existence of the empire.

(Part 3 of 14)

Nevertheless, facilitate a speedy settlement, the Premier of Japan
proposed, in August last, to meet the President of the United States for
a discussion of important problems between the two countries covering
the entire Pacific area. However, while accepting in principle the
Japanese proposal, insisted that the meeting should take place after an
agreement of view had been reached on fundamental  (75 letters garbled)
The Japanese government submitted a proposal based on the formula
proposed by the American government, taking fully into consideration
past American claims and also incorporating Japanese views. Repeated
discussions proved of no avail in producing readily an agreement of
view. The present cabinet, therefore, submitted a revised proposal,
moderating still further the Japanese claims regarding the principal
points of difficulty in the negotiation and endeavoured strenuously to
reach a settlement. But the American government, adhering steadfastly to
its original proposal failed to display in the slightest degree a spirit
of conciliation. The negotiation made no progress.

(Part 4 of 14)

Thereupon, the Japanese Government, with a view to doing its utmost for
averting a crisis in Japanese-American relations, submitted on November
20th still another proposal in order to arrive at an equitable solution
of the more essential and urgent questions which, simplifying its
previous proposal, stipulated the following points:

(1) The Governments of Japan and the United States undertake not to
dispatch armed forces into any of the regions, excepting French Indo-
China, in the Southeastern Asia and the Southern Pacific area.

(2) Both Governments shall cooperate with a view to securing the
acquisition in the Netherlands East Indies of those goods and
commodities of which the two countries are in need.

(3) Both Governments mutually undertake to restore commercial relations
to those prevailing prior to the freezing of assets.

The Government of the United States shall supply Japan the required
quantity of oil.

(4) The Government of the United States undertakes not to resort to
measures and actions prejudicial to the endeavours for the restoration
of general peace between Japan and China.

(5) The Japanese Government undertakes to withdraw troops now stationed
in French Indo-China upon either the restoration of peace between Japan
and China or the establishment of an equitable peace in the Pacific
area; and it is prepared to remove the Japanese troops in the southern
part of French Indo-China to the northern part upon the conclusion of
the present agreement.

462             PEARL HARBOR ATTACK

(Part 5 of 14)

As regards China, the Japanese Government, while expressing its
readiness to accept the offer of the President of the United States to
act as "Introducer" of peace between Japan and China as was previously
suggested, asked for an undertaking on the part of the United States to
do nothing prejudicial to the restoration of Sino-Japanese peace when
the two parties have commenced direct negotiations.

The American government not only rejected the above-mentioned new
proposal, but made known its intention to continue its aid to Chiang
Kai-shek; and in spite of its suggestion mentioned above, withdrew the
offer of the President to act as the so called "Introducer" of peace
between Japan and China, pleading that time was not yet ripe for it.
Finally, on November 26th, in an attitude to impose upon the Japanese
government those principles it has persistently maintained, the American
government made a proposal totally ignoring Japanese claims, which is a
source of profound regret to the Japanese Government.

(Part 6 of 14)

4. From the beginning of the present negotiation the Japanese Government
has always maintained an attitude of fairness and moderation, and did
its best to reach a settlement, for which it made all possible
concessions often in spite of great difficulties.

As for the China question which constituted an important subject of the
negotiation, the Japanese Government showed a most conciliatory
attitude.

As for the principle of Non-Discrimination in International Commerce,
advocated by the American Government, the Japanese Government expressed
its desire to see the said principle applied throughout the world, and
declared that along with the actual Practice of this principle in the
world, the Japanese Government would endeavor to apply the same in the
Pacific area, including China, and made it clear that Japan had no
intention of excluding from China economic activities of third powers
pursued on an equitable basis.

Furthermore, as regards the question of withdrawing troops from French
Indo-China, the Japanese government even volunteered, as mentioned
above, to carry out an immediate evacuation of troops from Southern
French Indo-China as a measure of easing the situation.

(Part 7 of 14)

It is presumed that the spirit of conciliation exhibited to the utmost
degree by the Japanese Government in all these matters is fully
appreciated by the American government.

On the other hand, the American government, always holding fast to
theories in disregard of realities, and refusing to yield an inch on its
impractical principles, caused undue delays in the negotiation. It is
difficult to understand this attitude of the American government and the
Japanese government desires to call the attention of the American
government especially to the following points:

1. The American government advocates in the name of world peace those
principles favorable to it and urges upon the Japanese government the
acceptance thereof. The peace of the world may be brought

PEARL HARBOR ATTACK         463

about only by discovering a mutually acceptable formula through
recognition of the reality of the situation and mutual appreciation of
one another's position. An attitude such as ignores realities and
imposes one's selfish views upon others will scarcely serve the purpose
of facilitating the consummation of negotiations.

(Part 8 of 14)

Of the various principles put forward by the American government as a
basis of the Japanese-American agreement, there are some which the
Japanese government is ready to accept in principle, but in view of the
world's actual conditions, it seems only a Utopian ideal, on the part of
the American government, to attempt to force their immediate adoption.

Again, the proposal to conclude a multilateral non-aggression pact
between Japan, the United States, Great Britain, China, the Soviet
Union, The Netherlands, and Thailand, which is patterned after the old
concept of collective security, is far removed from the realities of
East Asia.

The American proposal contains a stipulation which states: "Both
governments will agree that no agreement, which either has concluded
with any third powers, shall be interpreted by it in such a way as to
conflict with the fundamental purpose of this agreement, the
establishment and preservation of peace throughout the Pacific area." It
is presumed that the above provision has been proposed with a view to
restrain Japan from fulfilling its obligations under the Tripartite Pact
when the United States participates in the war in Europe, and, as such,
it cannot be accepted by the Japanese Government.

(Part 9 of 14)

The American Government, obsessed with its own views and opinions, may
be said to be scheming for the extension of the war. While it seeks, on
the one hand, to secure its rear by stabilizing the Pacific area, it is
engaged. On the other hand, in aiding Great Britain and preparing to
attack, in the name of self-defense, Germany and Italy, two powers that
are striving to establish a new order in Europe. Such a policy is
totally at variance with the many principles upon which the American
Government proposes to found the stability of the Pacific area through
peaceful means.

3. Where as the American Government, under the principles it rigidly
upholds, objects to settling international issues through military
pressure, it is exercising in conjunction with Great Britain and other
nations pressure by economic power. Recourse to such pressure as a means
of dealing with international relations should be condemned as it is at
times more inhuman than military pressure.

(Part 10 of 14)

4. It is impossible not to reach the conclusion that the American
Government desires to maintain and strengthen, in collusion with Great
Britain and other powers, its dominant position it has hitherto occupied
not only in China but in other areas of East Asia. It is a

464             PEARL HARBOR ATTACK

fact of history that one countr (45 letters garbled or missing)  been
compelled to observe the status quo under the Anglo-American policy of
imperialistic exploitation and to sacrifice the  es to the prosperity of
the two nations. The Japanese Government cannot tolerate the
perpetuation of such a situation since it directly runs counter to
Japan's fundamental policy to enable all nations to enjoy each its
proper place in the world.

(Part 11 of 14)

The stipulation proposed by the American Government relative to French
Indo-China is a good exemplification of the above-mentioned American
policy. That the six countries, Japan, the United States, Great Britain,
The Netherlands, China and Thailand,-excepting France, should undertake
among themselves to respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of
French Indo-China and equality of treatment in trade and commerce would
be tantamount to placing that territory under the joint guarantee of the
governments of those six countries. Apart from the fact that such a
proposal totally ignores the position of France, it is unacceptable to
the Japanese government in that such an arrangement cannot but be
considered as an extension to French Indo-China of a system similar to
the n (50 letters missed) sible for the present predicament of East
Asia.

(Part 12 of 14)

5. All the items demanded of Japan by the American government regarding
China such as wholesale evacuation of troops or unconditional
application of the principle of Non-Discrimination in International
Commerce ignore the actual conditions of China, and are calculated to
destroy Japan's position as the stabilizing factor of East Asia. The
attitude of the American government in demanding Japan not to support
militarily, politically or economically any regime other than the regime
at Chunking, disregarding thereby the existence of the Nanking
government, shatters the very basis of the present negotiation. This
demand of the American government falling, as it does, in line with its
above-mentioned refusal to cease from aiding the Chunking regime,
demonstrates clearly the intention of the American government to
obstruct the restoration of normal relations between Japan and China and
the return of peace to East Asia.

(Part 13 of 14)

5. In brief, the American proposal contains certain acceptable items
such as those concerning commerce, including the conclusion of a trade
agreement, mutual removal of the freezing restrictions, and
stabilization of the Yen and Dollar exchange, or the abolition of
extraterritorial rights in China. On the other hand, however, the
proposal in question ignores Japan's sacrifices in the four years of the
China Affair, menaces the empire's existence itself and disparages its
honour and prestige. Therefore, viewed in its entirety, the Japanese
government regrets that it cannot accept the proposal as a basis of
negotiation.

PEARL HARBOR ATTACK            465

6. The Japanese government, in its desire for an early conclusion of the
negotiation, proposed that simultaneously with the conclusion of the
Japanese-American negotiation, agreements be signed, with Great Britain
and other interested countries. The proposal was accepted by the
American government. However, since the American government has made the
proposal of November 26th as a result of frequent consultations with
Great Britain, Australia, The Netherlands and Chunking, ANDND*
presumably by catering to the wishes of the Chungking regime on the
questions of CHTUAL YLOKMMTT** be concluded that. All these countries
are at one with the United States in ignoring Japan's position.

(Part 14 of 14)

7. Obviously it is the intention of the American Government to conspire
with Great Britain and other countries to obstruct Japan's efforts
toward the establishment of peace through the creation of a New Order in
East Asia, and especially to preserve Anglo-American rights and
interests by keeping Japan and China at war. This intention has been
revealed clearly during the course of the present negotiations. Thus,
the earnest hope of the Japanese Government to adjust Japanese-American
relations and to preserve and promote the peace of the Pacific through
cooperation with the American Government has finally been lost.

The Japanese Government regrets to have to notify hereby the American
Government that in view of the attitude of the American Government it
cannot but consider that it is impossible to reach an agreement through
further negotiations.

(Ex. 1, pp. 239-245)

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