SOME FILES RELEVANT TO THE JAPANESE ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR, 
DECEMBER 7, 1941.

The file contains the following documents in the order of 
appearance in the file:

(1) UNITED STATES NOTE TO JAPAN NOVEMBER 26, 1941

(2) MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT TO THE EMPEROR OF JAPAN DECEMBER 6

(3) JAPANESE NOTE TO THE UNITED STATES DECEMBER 7, 1941
(Generally referred to as the "Fourteen Part Message.")

(4) SELECTED DISPATCHES

----------------------------------------------------------------

(1) UNITED STATES NOTE TO JAPAN NOVEMBER 26, 1941

(Dept. of State Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 129, Dec. 13, 1941)

The text of the document handed by the Secretary of State to the 
Japanese Ambassador on November 26, 1941, which consists of two 
parts, one an oral statement and one an outline of a proposed 
basis for agreement between the United States and Japan, reads 
as follows:

"Oral

"Strictly confidential

"November 26, 1941

"The representatives of the Government of the United States and 
of the Government of Japan have been carrying on during the past 
several months informal and exploratory conversations for the 
purpose of arriving at a settlement if possible of questions 
relating to the entire Pacific area based upon the principles of 
peace, law and order and fair dealing among nations.  These 
principles include the principle of inviolability of territorial 
integrity and sovereignty of each and all nations;  the 
principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other 
countries; the principle of equality, including equality of 
commercial opportunity and treatment; and the principle of 
reliance upon international cooperation and conciliation for the 
prevention and pacific settlement of controversies and for 
improvement of international conditions by peaceful methods and 
processes.

"It is believed that in our discussions some progress has been 
made in reference to the general principles which constitute the 
basis of a peaceful settlement covering the entire Pacific area.  
Recently the Japanese Ambassador has stated that the Japanese 
Government is desirous of continuing the conversations directed 
toward a comprehensive and peaceful settlement of the Pacific 
area; that it would be helpful toward creating an atmosphere 
favorable to the successful outcome of the conversations if a 
temporary modus vivendi could be agreed upon to be in effect 
while the conversations looking to peaceful settlement in the 
Pacific were continuing.  On November 20 the Japanese Ambassador 
communicated to the Secretary of State proposals in regard to 
temporary measure to be taken respectively by the Government of 
Japan and by the Government of the United States, which measures 
are understood to have been designed to accomplish the purposes 
above indicated.

"The Government of the United States most earnestly desires to 
contribute to the promotion and maintenance of peace and 
stability in the Pacific area, and to afford every opportunity 
for the continuance of discussion with the Japanese Government 
directed toward working out a broad-gauge program of peace 
throughout the Pacific area.  The proposals which were presented 
by the Japanese Ambassador on November 20 contain some features 
which, in the opinion of this Government, conflict with the 
fundamental principles which form a part of the general 
settlement under consideration and to which each Government has 
declared that it is committed.  The Government of the United 
States believes that the adoption of such proposals would not be 
likely to contribute to the ultimate objectives of ensuring 
peace under law, order and justice in the Pacific area, and it 
suggests that further effort be made to resolve our divergences 
of view in regard to the practical application of the 
fundamental principles already mentioned.

"With this object in view the Government of the United States 
offers for the consideration of the Japanese Government a plan 
of a broad but simple settlement covering the entire Pacific 
area as one practical exemplification of a program which this 
Government envisages as something to be worked out during our 
further conversations.

"The plan therein suggested represents an effort to bridge the 
gap between our draft of June 21, 1941 and the Japanese draft of 
September 25 by making a new approach to the essential problems 
underlying a comprehensive Pacific settlement.  This plan 
contains provisions dealing with the practical application of 
the fundamental principles which we have agreed in our 
conversations constitute the only sound basis for worthwhile 
international relations.  We hope that in this way progress 
toward reaching a meeting of minds between our two Governments 
may be expedited."

"Strictly confidential, tentative and without commitment

"November 26, 1941.

"Outline of Proposed Basis for Agreement Between the United 
States and Japan

"Section I

"Draft Mutual Declaration of Policy

"The Government of the United States and the Government of Japan 
both being solicitous for the peace of the Pacific affirm that 
their national policies are directed toward lasting and 
extensive peace throughout the Pacific area, that they have no 
territorial designs in that area, that they have no intention of 
threatening other countries or of using military force 
aggressively against any neighboring nation, and that, 
accordingly, in their national policies they will actively 
support and give practical application to the following 
fundamental principles upon which their relations with each 
other and with all other governments are based:

"(1) The principle of inviolability of territorial integrity and 
sovereignty of each and all nations.

"(2) The principle of non-interference in the internal affairs 
of other countries.

"(3) The principle of equality, including equality of commercial 
opportunity and treatment.

"(4) The principle of reliance upon international cooperation 
and conciliation for the prevention and pacific settlement of 
controversies and for improvement of international conditions by 
peaceful methods and processes.

"The Government of Japan and the Government of the United States 
have agreed that toward eliminating chronic political 
instability, preventing recurrent economic collapse, and 
providing a basis for peace, they will actively support and 
practically apply the following principles in their economic 
relations with each other and with other nations and peoples:

"(1) The principle of non-discrimination in international 
commercial relations.

"(2) The principle of international economic cooperation and 
abolition of extreme nationalism as expressed in excessive trade 
restrictions.

"(3) The principle of non-discriminatory access by all nations 
to raw material supplies.

"(4) The principle of full protection of the interests of 
consuming countries and populations as regards the operation of 
international commodity agreements.

"(5) The principle of establishment of such institutions and 
arrangements of international finance as may lend aid to the 
essential enterprises and the continuous development of all 
countries and may permit payments through processes of trade 
consonant with the welfare of all countries.

"Section II

"Steps To Be Taken by the Government of the United States and by 
the Government of Japan

"The Government of the United States and the Government of Japan 
propose to take steps as follows:

"1. The Government of the United States and the Government of 
Japan will endeavor to conclude a multilateral non-aggression 
pact among the British Empire, China, Japan, the Netherlands, 
the Soviet Union, Thailand and the United States.

"2. Both Governments will endeavor to conclude among the 
American, British, Chinese, Japanese, the Netherland and Thai 
Governments would pledge itself to respect the territorial 
integrity of French Indochina and, in the event that there 
should develop a threat to the territorial integrity of 
Indochina, to enter into immediate consultation with a view to 
taking such measures as may be deemed necessary and advisable to 
meet the threat in question.  Such agreement would provide also 
that each of the Governments party to the agreement would not 
seek or accept preferential treatment in its trade or economic 
relations with Indochina and would use its influence to obtain 
for each of the signatories equality of treatment in trade and 
commerce with French Indochina.

"3. The Government of Japan will withdraw all military, naval, 
air and police forces from China and from Indochina.

"4. The Government of the United States and the Government of 
Japan will not support - militarily, politically, economically - 
any government or regime in China other than the National 
Government of the Republic of China with capital temporarily at 
Chungking.

"5. Both Governments will endeavor to obtain the agreement of 
the British and other governments to give up extraterritorial 
rights in China, including right in international settlements 
and in concessions and under the Boxer Protocol of 1901.

"6. The Government of the United States and the Government of 
Japan will enter into negotiations for the conclusion between 
the United States and Japan of a trade agreement, based upon 
reciprocal most favored-nation treatment and reduction of trade 
barriers by both countries, including an undertaking by the 
United States to bind raw silk on the free list.

"7. The Government of the United States and the Government of 
Japan will, respectively, remove the freezing restrictions on 
Japanese funds in the United States and on American funds in 
Japan.

"8. Both Governments will agree upon a plan for the 
stabilization of the dollar-yen rate, with the allocation of 
funds adequate for this purpose, half to be supplied by Japan 
and half by the United States.

"9. Both Governments will agree that no agreement which either 
has concluded with any third power or 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.

"10. Both Governments will use their influence to cause other 
governments to adhere to and to give practical application to 
the basic political and economic principles set forth in this 
agreement.

----------------------------------------------------------------

(3) MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT TO THE EMPEROR OF JAPAN DECEMBER 
6

(Dept. of State Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 129, Dec. 13, 1941)

The following message from the President to the Emperor of Japan 
was dispatched Saturday afternoon, December 6, and public 
announcement was made at that time that this message to the 
Emperor had been sent by the President:

"Almost a century ago the President of the United States 
addressed to the Emperor of Japan a message extending an offer 
of friendship of the people of the United States to the people 
of Japan.  That offer was accepted, and in the long period of 
unbroken peace and friendship which has followed, our respective 
nations, through the virtues of their peoples and the wisdom of 
their rulers have prospered and have substantially helped 
humanity.

"Only in situations of extraordinary importance to our two 
countries need I address to Your Majesty messages on matters of 
state.  I feel I should now so address you because of the deep 
and far-reaching emergency which appears to be in formation.

"Developments are occurring in the Pacific area which threaten 
to deprive each of our nations and all humanity of the 
beneficial influence of the long peace between our two 
countries.  Those developments contain tragic possibilities.

"The people of the United States, believing in peace and in the 
right of nations to live and let live, have eagerly watched the 
conversations between our two Governments during these past 
months.  We have hoped for a termination of the present conflict 
between Japan and China.  We have hoped that a peace of the 
Pacific could be consummated in such a way that nationalities of 
many diverse peoples could exist side by side without fear of 
invasion; that unbearable burdens of armaments could be lifted 
for them all; and that all peoples would resume commerce without 
discrimination against or in favor of any nation.

"I am certain that it will be clear to Your Majesty, as it is to 
me, that in seeking these great objectives both Japan and the 
United States should agree to eliminate any form of military 
threat.  This seemed essential to the attainment of the high 
objectives.

"More than a year ago Your Majesty's Government concluded an 
agreement with the Vichy Government by which five or six 
thousand Japanese troops were permitted to enter into Northern 
French Indo-China for the protection of Japanese troops which 
were operating against China further north.  And this Spring and 
Summer the Vichy Government permitted further Japanese military 
forces to enter into Southern French Indo-China for the common 
defense of French Indo-China.  I think I am correct in saying 
that no attack has been made upon Indo-China, nor that any has 
been contemplated.

"During the past few weeks it has become clear to the world that 
Japanese military, naval and air forces have been sent to 
Southern Indo-China in such large numbers as to create a 
reasonable doubt on the part of other nations that this 
continuing concentration in Indo-China is not defensive in its 
character.

"Because these continuing concentrations in Indo-China have 
reached such large proportions and because they extend now to 
the southeast and the southwest corners of that Peninsula, it is 
only reasonable that the people of the Philippines, of the 
hundreds of Islands of the East Indies, of Malaya and of 
Thailand itself are asking themselves whether these forces of 
Japan are preparing or intending to make attack in one or more 
of these many directions.

"I am sure that Your Majesty will understand that the fear of 
all these peoples is a legitimate fear inasmuch as it involves 
their peace and their national existence.  I am sure that Your 
Majesty will understand why the people of the United States in 
such large numbers look askance at the establishment of 
military, naval and air bases manned and equipped so greatly as 
to constitute armed forces capable of measures of offense.

"It is clear that a continuance of such a situation is 
unthinkable.

"None of the peoples whom I have spoken of above can sit either 
indefinitely or permanently on a keg of dynamite.

"There is absolutely no thought on the part of the United States 
of invading Indo-China if every Japanese soldier or sailor were 
to be withdrawn therefrom.

"I think that we can obtain the same assurance from the 
Governments of the East Indies, the Governments of Malaya and 
the Government of Thailand.  I would even undertake to ask for 
the same assurance on the part of the Government of China.  Thus 
a withdrawal of the Japanese forces from Indo-China would result 
in the assurance of peace throughout the whole of the South 
Pacific area.

"I address myself to Your Majesty at this moment in the fervent 
hope that Your Majesty may, as I am doing, give thought in this 
definite emergency to way of dispelling the dark clouds.  I am 
confident that both of us, for the sake of the peoples not only 
of our own great countries but for the sake of humanity in 
neighboring territories, have a sacred duty to restore 
traditional amity and prevent further death and destruction in 
the world."

----------------------------------------------------------------

JAPANESE NOTE TO THE UNITED STATES DECEMBER 7, 1941
(Generally referred to as the "Fourteen Part Message.")

(Dept. of State Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 129, Dec. 13, 1941)

On November 26 the Secretary of State handed to the Japanese 
representatives a document which stated the principles governing 
the policies of the Government of the United States toward the 
situation in the Far East and setting out suggestions for a 
comprehensive peaceful settlement covering the entire Pacific 
area.

At 1 p.m. December 7 the Japanese Ambassador asked for an 
appointment for the Japanese representatives to see the 
Secretary of State.  The appointment was made for 1:45 p.m.  The 
Japanese representatives arrived at the office of the Secretary 
of State at 2:05 p.m.  They were received by the Secretary at 
2:20 p.m.  The Japanese Ambassador handed to the Secretary of 
State what was understood to be a reply to the document handed 
to him the Secretary of State on November 26.

Secretary Hull carefully read the statement presented by the 
Japanese representatives and immediately turned to the Japanese 
Ambassador and with the greatest indignation said:

"I must say that in all my conversations with you [the Japanese 
Ambassador] during the last nine months I have never uttered one 
word of untruth.  This is borne out absolutely by the record.  
In all my 50 years of public service I have never seen a 
document that was more crowded with infamous falsehoods and 
distortions - infamous falsehoods and distortions on a scale so 
huge that I never imagined until today that any Government on 
this planet was capable of uttering them."

The text of the document handed by the Japanese Ambassador to 
the Secretary of State at 2:20 p.m., December 7, 1941, reads as 
follows:

"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 measure 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 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 Tripartite Pace 
with Germany and Italy.

"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 the ideal of 
common prosperity in cooperation with these regimes.  
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 misinterpreting it 
as a threat to their own possessions, 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 have strengthened their military preparations 
perfecting an encirclement of Japan, and have brought about a 
situation which endangers the very existence of the Empire.

"Nevertheless, to 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, the 
American Government, while accepting in principle the Japanese 
proposal, insisted that the meeting should take place after an 
agreement of view had been reached on fundamental and essential 
questions.

"3.  Subsequently, on September 25th 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 assertions, 
failed to display in the slightest degree a spirit of 
conciliation.  The negotiation made no progress.

"Therefore, 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 Government 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 the 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 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.

"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 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.

"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 constitutes 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 endeavour 
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.

"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, cause undue delay 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 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 impose (sic) one's selfish views upon 
others will scarcely serve the purpose of facilitating the 
consummation of negotiations.

"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 condition 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, 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.

"2. The American proposal contained a stipulation which states - 
'Both Governments will agree that no agreement, which either has 
concluded with any third power or 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.

"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. Whereas the American Government, under the principles it 
rigidly upholds, objects to settle 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 inhumane 
that military pressure.

"4. It is impossible not to reach the conclusion that the 
American Government desires to maintain and strengthen, in 
coalition with Great Britain and other Powers, its dominant 
position in has hitherto occupied not only in China but in other 
areas of East Asia.  It is a fact of history that the countries 
of East Asia have for the past two hundred years or more have 
been compelled to observe the status quo under the Anglo-
American policy of imperialistic exploitation and to sacrifice 
themselves 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.

"The stipulation proposed by the American Government relative to 
French Indo-China is a good exemplification of the above-
mentioned American policy. Thus 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 Nine Power Treaty 
structure which is the chief factor responsible for the present 
predicament of East Asia.

"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 ignored 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 
Chungking, disregarding thereby the existence of the Nanking 
Government, shatters the very basis of the present negotiations. 
This demand of the American Government falling, as it does, in 
line with its above-mentioned refusal to cease from aiding the 
Chungking 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.

"5. (sic)  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 yen and dollar 
exchange, or the abolition of extra-territorial 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 it cannot accept the proposal as a basis of 
negotiation.

"6. The Japanese Government, in its desire for an early 
conclusion of the negotiation, proposed simultaneously with the 
conclusion of the Japanese-American negotiation, agreements to 
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 consultation with Great Britain, 
Australia, the Netherlands and Chungking, and presumably by 
catering to the wishes of the Chungking regime in the questions 
of China, it must be concluded that all these countries are at 
one with the United States in ignoring Japan's position.

"7. Obviously it is the intention of the American Government to 
conspire with Great Britain and other countries to obstruct 
Japan's effort toward the establishment of peace through the 
creation of a new order in East Asia, and especially to preserve 
Anglo-American rights and interest by keeping Japan and China at 
war.  This intention has been revealed clearly during the course 
of the present negotiation.

"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.

"December 7, 1941."

----------------------------------------------------------------
(4) SELECTED DISPATCHES

The following is a collection of dispatches relevant to the 
topic.  Care should be taken in noting that not all the 
information enclosed was known to all parties and that some of 
the coded messages were not decyphered until well after the 
commencement of hostilities.
LWJ
================================================================
To:   Tokyo
Date: 16 Jan. 41

"... 2. The number of vessels seen in the harbor on the morning 
of the 16th was as follows: 5 battleships... 5 light 
cruisers...19 destroyers, 2 destroyer tenders...about six small 
submarines...and three transports.
"    The Yorktown is not in port.
"    The CinCUS shifted the flag from the New Mexico to the 
Pennsylvania on 15 Jan. 41."

From: PEARL HARBOR: Why, How, Fleet Salvage and Final
      Appraisal, Vice Admiral Homner N. Wallin USN(Ret),
      Naval History Division, Washington, 1968
==============================================================
From: Honolulu
To:   Tokyo
Date: 21 Feb. 41

"    1. The capital ships and others departed from Pearl Harbor 
on the 13th and returned on the 19th.  (It is said that they 
will depart again on the coming Wednesday and return on the 
following Wednesday).  Judging from the statements by various 
sailors who were on these vessels, the training was apparently 
held in the vicinities of Kauai, Lahaina, and Hilo."

From: PEARL HARBOR: Why, How, Fleet Salvage and Final
      Appraisal, Vice Admiral Homner N. Wallin USN(Ret),
      Naval History Division, Washington, 1968
==============================================================
From: Naval Intelligence, Washington
To:   alcon
Date: 1 Apr. 1941

"     Personnel of your Naval Intelligence Service should be 
advised that because of the fact that from past experience shows 
[sic] the Axis Powers often begin activities in a particular 
field on Saturdays and Sundays or on national holidays of the 
country concerned they should take steps on such days to see 
that proper watches and precautions are in effect."

From:  THE CODEBREAKERS; The Story of Secret Writing, David
       Kahn, Weidenfeld and Nicolson, London,1967
==============================================================
From: Japanese Foreign Ministry
To:   Washington
Date: 31 Jul. 1941

"     Commercial and economic relations between Japan and third 
countries, led by England and the United States, are gradually 
becoming so horribly strained that we cannot endure it much 
longer.  Consequently, our Empire, to save its very life, must 
take measures to secure the raw materials of the South Seas.  
Our Empire must immediately take steps to break asunder this 
ever-strengthening chain of encirclement which is being woven 
under the guidance and with the participation of England and the 
United States, acting like a cunning dragon seemingly asleep.  
This is why we decided to obtain military bases in French Indo-
China and to have our troops occupy that territory..."

From:  AT DAWN WE SLEPT; The Untold Story of Pearl Harbor.
       Gordon W. Prange, Penguin Books, 1982
==============================================================
From: Tokyo
To:   Honolulu
Date: 21 Sep. 41

"    Henceforth, we would like to have you make reports 
concerning vessels along the following lines insofar as 
possible: [The message divides Pearl Harbor waters into a number 
of areas which are delineated.]
"     2. With regard to war ships and aircraft carriers, we 
would like to have you report on those at anchor...tied up to 
wharves, buoys, and in docks. (Designate types and classes 
briefly.  If possible we would like to have you make mention of 
the fact when there are two or more vessels alongside the same 
wharf."

From: PEARL HARBOR: Why, How, Fleet Salvage and Final
      Appraisal, Vice Admiral Homner N. Wallin USN(Ret),
      Naval History Division, Washington, 1968
==============================================================
From: Navy Department
To:   CinCUS, Pearl Harbor
Date: 16 Oct. 41

"   The resignation of the Japanese Cabinet had created a grave 
situation. If a new Cabinet is formed it will probably be 
strongly nationalistic and anti-American.  If the Konoye Cabinet 
remains the effect will be that it will operate under a new 
mandate which will not include rapprochement with the U.S.  In 
either case hostilities between Japan and Russia are a strong 
possibility.  Since the U.S. and Britain are held responsible by 
Japan for her present desperate situation there is also a 
possibility that Japan may attack these two powers.  In view of 
these possibilities you will take due precautions including such 
preparatory deployments as will not disclose strategic 
intentions nor constitute provocative actions against Japan."

From: PEARL HARBOR: Why, How, Fleet Salvage and Final
      Appraisal, Vice Admiral Homner N. Wallin USN(Ret),
      Naval History Division, Washington, 1968
==============================================================
From: Japanese Naval General Staff
To:   alcon
Date  5 Nov. 1951

"     Navy Order No. 1
"     By Imperial Order, the Chief of the Naval General Staff 
orders Yamamoto Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleets as 
follows:
"     1. Expecting to go to war with the United States, Britain 
and the Netherlands early in December for self-preservation and 
self-defense, the Empire has decided to complete war 
preparation.
"     2. The Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet will carry 
out the necessary operational preparations.
"     3. Its details will be directed by the Chief of the Naval 
General Staff."

From:  AT DAWN WE SLEPT; The Untold Story of Pearl Harbor.
       Gordon W. Prange, Penguin Books, 1982
==============================================================
From: Tokyo
To:   Honolulu
Date: 15 Nov. 41

"    As relations between Japan and the United States are more 
critical, make your 'ships in harbor report' irregular, but at a 
rate of twice a week.  Although you already are no doubt aware, 
please take extra care to maintain secrecy."

From: PEARL HARBOR: Why, How, Fleet Salvage and Final
      Appraisal, Vice Admiral Homner N. Wallin USN(Ret),
      Naval History Division, Washington, 1968
==============================================================
From: Tokyo
To:   Washington
date: 19 NOV 1941

"     Regarding the broadcast of a special message in an 
emergency.
"     In case of emergency (danger of cutting off our diplomatic 
relations), and the cutting off of international communications, 
the following warning will be added in the middle of the daily 
Japanese language short-wave news broadcast:
"     1) In case of Japan-U.S. relations in danger: HIGASHI NO 
KAZE AME ("east wind rain")
"     2) Japan-U.S.S.R. relations: KITA NO KAZE KUMORI ("north 
wind cloudy")
"     3) Japan-British relations: NISHI NO KAZE HARE ("west wind 
clear")
"     This signal will be given in the middle and at the end as 
a weather forecast and each sentence will be repeated twice.  
When this is heard please destroy all code papers, etc.  This is 
as yet to be a completely secret arrangement.
"     Forward as urgent intelligence."

From:  THE CODEBREAKERS; The Story of Secret Writing, David
       Kahn, Weidenfeld and Nicolson, London,1967
==============================================================
From: Tokyo
To:   Washington
Date: 20 Nov. 1941

"     There are reasons beyond your ability to guess why we 
wanted to settle Japanese-American relations by the 25th, but if 
within the next three or four days you can finish your 
conversations with the Americans; if the signing can be 
completed by the 29th (let me write it out for you-twenty-
ninth); if the pertinent notes can be exchanged; if we can get 
an understanding with Great Britain and the Netherlands; and in 
short if everything can be finished, we have decided to wait 
until that date.  This time we mean it, the deadline absolutely 
cannot be changed.  After that things are automatically going to 
happen."

From: THE CODEBREAKERS; The Story of Secret Writing, David
      Kahn, Weidenfeld and Nicolson, London,1967
==============================================================
From: Navy Department
To:   CinCUS, Pearl Harbor
Date: 24 Nov. 41

"   Chances of favorable outcome of negotiations with Japan very 
doubtful.
This situation coupled with statements of Japanese Government 
and movements of their naval and military forces indicate in our 
opinion that a surprise aggressive movement in any direction 
including attack on Philippines or Guam is a possibility.  Chief 
of Staff has seen this dispatch concurs and requests action 
addressees to inform senior Army officers their areas.  Utmost 
secrecy necessary in order not to complicate an already tense 
situation or precipitate Japanese action. Guam will be informed 
separately."


From: PEARL HARBOR: Why, How, Fleet Salvage and Final
      Appraisal, Vice Admiral Homner N. Wallin USN(Ret),
      Naval History Division, Washington, 1968
==============================================================
From: War Department, Washington
To:   Army Hq. Hawaii
Date: 27 Nov. 1941

"     War Department Msg No. 472
"     Negotiations with Japan appear to be terminated to all 
practical purposes with only the barest possibilities that the 
Japanese Government might come back and offer to continue.  
Japanese future action unpredictable but hostile action possible 
at nay moment.  If hostilities cannot, repeat cannot be avoided 
the United States desires that Japan commit the first overt act.  
This policy should not, repeat not, be construed as restricting 
you to a course of action that might jeopardize your defense.  
Prior to hostile Japanese action you are directed to undertake 
such reconnaissance and other measures as you deem necessary but 
these measures shout be carried out so as not, repeat not, to 
alarm civil population or disclose intent.  Report measures 
taken.  Should hostilities occur you will carry out the tasks 
assigned in Rainbow Five [the Army's basic war plan] so far as 
they pertain to Japan.  Limit dissemination of this highly 
secret information to minimum essential officers.

From:  AT DAWN WE SLEPT; The Untold Story of Pearl Harbor.
       Gordon W. Prange, Penguin Books, 1982
==============================================================
From: Navy Department
To:   CinCUS, Pearl Harbor
Date: 27 Nov. 41

"   This despatch is to be considered a war warning.  
Negotiations with Japan looking toward stabilization of 
conditions in the Pacific have ceased and an aggressive move by 
Japan is expected within the next few days.  The number and 
equipment of Japanese troops and the organization of naval task 
forces indicates an amphibious expedition against either the 
Philippines, Thai or Kra Peninsula or possibly Borneo.  Execute 
an appropriate defensive deployment preparatory to carrying out 
the tasks assigned in WPL-46.
Inform district and Army authorities.  A similar warning is 
being sent by the War Department.  SPENAVO inform British.  
Continental districts Guam Samoa directed take appropriate 
measures against sabotage."

From: PEARL HARBOR: Why, How, Fleet Salvage and Final
      Appraisal, Vice Admiral Homner N. Wallin USN(Ret),
      Naval History Division, Washington, 1968
==============================================================
From: War Department, Washington
To:   Army Hq. Hawaii
Date: 28 Nov. 1941

"     War Department Message 482
"     Critical situation demands that all precautions be taken 
immediately against subversive activities...Also desired that 
you initiate forthwith all additional measures necessary to 
provide for protection of you establishments, property, and 
equipment against sabotage, protection of your personnel against 
subversive propaganda and protection of all activities against 
espionage.  This does not repeat not mean that any illegal 
measures are authorized.  Protective measures should be confined 
to those essential to security, avoiding unnecessary publicity 
and alarm.  To insure speed of transmission identical telegrams 
are being sent to all air stations but this does not repeat not 
affect you responsibility under existing instructions."

From:  AT DAWN WE SLEPT; The Untold Story of Pearl Harbor.
       Gordon W. Prange, Penguin Books, 1982
==============================================================
From: Tokyo
To:   Honolulu
Date: 29 Nov. 41

"    We have been receiving reports from you on ship movement, 
but in future will you also report even when there are no 
movements."

From: PEARL HARBOR: Why, How, Fleet Salvage and Final
      Appraisal, Vice Admiral Homner N. Wallin USN(Ret),
      Naval History Division, Washington, 1968
==============================================================

From: Director of Naval Intelligence
To:   CinCUS, Pearl Harbor, alcon
Date: 1 Dec. 41

"   Deployment of naval forces to the southward has indicated 
clearly that extensive preparations are underway for 
hostilities.  At the same time troop transports and freighters 
are pouring continually down from Japan and northern China coast 
ports headed south, apparently for French Indo-China and 
Formosan ports.  Present movements tot he south appear to be 
carried out by small individual units, but the organization of 
an extensive task force, now definitely indicated, will probably 
take sharper form in the next few days.  To date this task 
force, under the command of the Commander in Chief Second Fleet, 
appears to be subdivided into two major task groups, one 
gradually concentrating off the Southeast Asiatic coast, the 
other in the Mandates.  Each constitutes a strong striking force 
of heavy and light cruisers, units of the Combined Air Force, 
destroyer and submarine squadrons.  Although one division of 
battleships also may be assigned the major capital ship strength 
remains in home waters, as well as the greatest portion of the 
carriers.
"   The equipment being carried south is a vast assortment, 
including landing boats in considerable numbers.  Activity in 
the Mandates, under naval control, consists not only of large 
reinforcements of personnel, aircraft, munitions but also of 
construction material with yard workmen, engineers, etc."

From: PEARL HARBOR: Why, How, Fleet Salvage and Final
      Appraisal, Vice Admiral Homner N. Wallin USN(Ret),
      Naval History Division, Washington, 1968
==============================================================
From: Tokyo
To:   Washington
Date: 2 Dec. 1941

"     Take great pains that this does not leak out.
"     You are to take the following measures immediately:
"     1. With the exception of one copy each of the O[pa-k2] and 
the L[LA] codes, you are to burn all telegraph codes (this 
includes the codebooks for communication between the three 
departments [HATO] and those for use by the Navy).
"     2. As soon as you have completed this operation wire the 
one word HARUNA.
"     3. Burn all secret records of incoming and outgoing 
telegrams.
"     4. Taking care not to arouse outside suspicion, dispose of 
all secret documents in the same way.
"     Since these measures are in preparation for an emergency, 
keep this within your consulate and carry out your duties with 
calmness and care."

From:  THE CODEBREAKERS; The Story of Secret Writing, David
       Kahn, Weidenfeld and Nicolson, London,1967
==============================================================
From: Tokyo
To:   Honolulu
Date: 2 Dec. 41

"   In view of the present situation, the presence in port of 
warships, airplane carriers, and cruisers is of utmost 
importance.  Hereafter, to the utmost of your ability, let me 
know day by day.  Wire me in each case whether or not there are 
any observation balloons above Pearl Harbor or if there are any 
indications that they will be sent up.  Also advise me whether 
or not the warships are provided with anti-mine nets."

From: PEARL HARBOR: Why, How, Fleet Salvage and Final
      Appraisal, Vice Admiral Homner N. Wallin USN(Ret),
      Naval History Division, Washington, 1968
==============================================================
From: Adm. Nagumo
To:   Pearl Harbor Attack Force
Date: 2 Dec. 1941

"     This force is already in the anticipated scouting areas 
from Kiska and Midway Islands.  Tonight we will pass the 180 
degree line and near the enemy zone.  More strict air alert and 
strict lookout against enemy ships suspected of tracking us will 
be maintained.  Particular attention will be paid not to reveal 
any light at night and to limit blinker signals as much as 
possible.

From:  AT DAWN WE SLEPT; The Untold Story of Pearl Harbor.
       Gordon W. Prange, Penguin Books, 1982
==============================================================
From: Tokyo
To:   Pearl Harbor Attack Force
Date: 2 DEC 1941

"     Climb Mount Niitaka."

From:  THE CODEBREAKERS; The Story of Secret Writing, David
       Kahn, Weidenfeld and Nicolson, London,1967
==============================================================
From: Adm. Nagumo
To:   Pearl Harbor Attack Force
Date: 3 Dec. 1941

"     1. It has already been ordered to go to war on 8 December, 
but so critical has become the situation in the Far East that 
one can hardly predict was would not explode by that time.  So 
far no new information on Hawaii area received and also no 
indications of our Task Force being detected.  But since the 
enemy intention is naturally far beyond prediction, strict 
attention will directed to meet any unexpected encounter
with an enemy.
"     2. It is intended that this force will operate as 
scheduled even if war breaks out before 8 December.."

From:  AT DAWN WE SLEPT; The Untold Story of Pearl Harbor.
       Gordon W. Prange, Penguin Books, 1982
==============================================================
From: Honolulu
To:   Tokyo
Date: 4 Dec. 41

"    On the afternoon of the 3rd one British gunboat entered 
Honolulu harbor.  She left port early on the morning of the 
4th...
"    Furthermore, immediately after the vessel entered port a 
sailor took some mail to the British Consular Office and 
received some mail in return."

From: PEARL HARBOR: Why, How, Fleet Salvage and Final
      Appraisal, Vice Admiral Homner N. Wallin USN(Ret),
      Naval History Division, Washington, 1968
==============================================================

From: Honolulu
To:   Tokyo
Date: 5 Dec. 41

"    1. During Friday morning, the 5th, the three battleships 
mentioned in my message [previously] arrived here.  They had 
been at sea for eight days.
"    2. The Lexington and five heavy cruisers left port on the 
same day.
"    3. The following ships were in port on the afternoon of the 
5th: 8 battleships, 3 light cruisers, 16 destroyers."

From: PEARL HARBOR: Why, How, Fleet Salvage and Final
      Appraisal, Vice Admiral Homner N. Wallin USN(Ret),
      Naval History Division, Washington, 1968
==============================================================
From: Tokyo
To:   Honolulu
Date: 6 Dec. 41

"   Please wire immediately movements of the fleet subsequent to 
the fourth."

From: PEARL HARBOR: Why, How, Fleet Salvage and Final
      Appraisal, Vice Admiral Homner N. Wallin USN(Ret),
      Naval History Division, Washington, 1968
==============================================================
From: Honolulu
To:   Tokyo
Date: 6 Dec. 41

"   1. On the American Continent in October the Army began 
training barrage balloon troops at Camp Davis, North Carolina.  
Not only have they ordered four of five hundred balloons, but it 
is understood that they are considering the use of these 
balloons in the defense of Hawaii and Panama.  In so far as 
Hawaii is concerned, though investigations have been made in the 
neighborhood of Pearl Harbor, they have not set up mooring 
equipment, nor have they selected the troops to man them.  
Furthermore, there is no indication that any training for the 
maintenance of balloons is being undertaken.  At present time 
there are no signs of barrage balloon equipment. In addition, it 
is difficult to imagine that they have actually any.  However, 
even though they have actually made preparations, because they 
must control the air over the water and land runways of the 
airports in the vicinity of Pearl Harbor, Hickham, Ford, and 
Ewa, there are limits to the balloon defense of Pearl Harbor. I 
imagine that in all probability there is considerable 
opportunity left to take advantage for a surprise attack against 
these places.
"   2. In my opinion the battleships do not have torpedo 
nets..."

From: PEARL HARBOR: Why, How, Fleet Salvage and Final
      Appraisal, Vice Admiral Homner N. Wallin USN(Ret),
      Naval History Division, Washington, 1968
==============================================================
From: Honolulu
To:   Tokyo
Date: 6 Dec. 41

"   The following ships were observed at anchor on the 6th:
   9 battleships, 3 light cruisers, 3 submarine tenders, 17 
destroyers, and in addition there were 4 light cruisers, 2 
destroyers lying at docks (the heavy cruisers and airplane 
carriers have all left).
"   2. It appears that no air reconnaissance is being conducted 
by the fleet air arm."

From: PEARL HARBOR: Why, How, Fleet Salvage and Final
      Appraisal, Vice Admiral Homner N. Wallin USN(Ret),
      Naval History Division, Washington, 1968
==============================================================
From: Tokyo
To:   Washington
Date: 7 Dec. 1941

"    Will the Ambassador please submit to the United States 
Government (if possible to the Secretary of State) our reply to 
the United States at 1:00 p.m. on the 7th, your time.

From:  THE CODEBREAKERS; The Story of Secret Writing, David
       Kahn, Weidenfeld and Nicolson, London,1967
==============================================================
From: Gen. Marshall
To:   alcon
Date: 7 Dec. 1941

"     Japanese are presenting at one p.m. Eastern Standard Time 
today what amounts to an ultimatum also they are under orders to 
destroy their code machine immediately Stop Just what 
significance  the hour set may have we do not know but be on 
alert accordingly Stop."

From:  THE CODEBREAKERS; The Story of Secret Writing, David
       Kahn, Weidenfeld and Nicolson, London,1967

================================================================
From: USS WARD
To:   Commandant 14th Naval District
Date: 7DEC41 0654 local

"    We have attacked, fired upon and dropped depth charges on a 
submarine operating in the defensive sea area."

From:  AT DAWN WE SLEPT; The Untold Story of Pearl Harbor.
       Gordon W. Prange, Penguin Books, 1982
==============================================================
From: Radio Communication Station, Hawaii
To:   alcon
Date: 7 Dec. 1942

"     Air raid. Pearl harbor. This is not drill."

From:  AT DAWN WE SLEPT; The Untold Story of Pearl Harbor.
       Gordon W. Prange, Penguin Books, 1982
==============================================================
From: Adm. Nagumo
To:   Pearl Harbor Attack Force
Date: 7 Dec. 1941

"     Brilliant success was achieved for our country through the 
splendid efforts of you men.  But we still have a great way to 
go.  After this victory we must tighten the straps of our 
helmets and go onward, determined to continue our fight until 
the final goal has been won."

From:  AT DAWN WE SLEPT; The Untold Story of Pearl Harbor.
       Gordon W. Prange, Penguin Books, 1982
----------------------------------------------------------------

Collected, formatted, and edited by
Larry W. Jewell
jewell@mace.cc.purdue.edu
