711.94/213316/18a
American Statement Handed to the Japanese Ambassador ( Nomura ) on May 31, 1941
Unofficial, Exploratory
and Without Commitment
Oral Explanation for Suggested Amendments to the Japanese Draft
Introductory statement.
A few minor changes have been made in phraseology with a view to clarifying the meaning.
In the list of points enumerated on page two of the Japanese draft, the title of Section III has been altered to conform more accurately to the subject matter, the word “Southwestern” has been omitted from point numbered five and, in view of the new subject matter under point six (for explanation see infra), part of the subject matter under point six in the Japanese draft has been incorporated in an additional section, [Page 452] the title of which is therefore listed, and part of the subject matter in Section VI of the Japanese draft has been omitted (for explanation see infra).
I. The concepts of the United States and of Japan respecting international relations and the character of nations.
The first paragraph has been omitted in as much as the statement of fact is a self-evident one.
In the third paragraph of the Japanese draft there has been substituted for the word “backward” the word “other” in order to maintain consistency with principles relating to equality of races and peoples.
II. The attitudes of both Governments toward the European war.
The first paragraph of the Japanese draft has been omitted in order to avoid any implication of inconsistency with statements made by the President to the effect that the present is not an opportune time for the American Government to endeavor to bring about peace in Europe.
To the second paragraph of the Japanese draft a new sentence has been added to emphasize the aspect of self-defense.
The third paragraph has been omitted in as much as the text of the Tripartite Pact has been published and no purpose would appear to be served by express reference to any of its provisions.
The fourth paragraph of the Japanese draft has been revised to emphasize the protective and self-defense character of the attitude of the United States toward the European hostilities.
A statement in the Annex and Supplement on the part of the Government of the United States contains an elaboration of this Government’s viewpoint toward the military movement of conquest inaugurated by Chancellor Hitler.
III. Action toward a peaceful settlement between China and Japan.
As already stated, the title has been altered to describe more accurately the contents.
The statement in the Japanese draft has been rewritten to keep the underlying purport and at the same time to avert raising questions which do not seem fundamental to the basic subject and which are controversial in character and might present serious difficulties from the point of view of the United States.
The statement in the Japanese Annex and Supplement in regard to this section has also been revised in a few particulars in conformity with the considerations mentioned in the preceding paragraph. In addition, point numbered three in regard to economic cooperation has been rephrased so as to make it clear that China and Japan intend to follow in their economic relations the principle of nondiscrimination [Page 453] in international commercial relations, a principle to which it is understood the Japanese Government and the Chinese Government have long subscribed and which principle forms the foundation of the commercial policy of the United States. As it is assumed that the term “troops” in point numbered six is meant to include all armed forces, the language of this point has been slightly rephrased to avoid possible ambiguity.
As already stated, the question relating to communistic activities, including the stationing of Japanese troops in Chinese territory, is subject to further discussion.
IV. Commerce between both nations.
A statement is included in the Annex and Supplement on the part of the United States clarifying the point that as a temporary measure during the present international emergency it is understood that each country may restrict export of commodities which it needs for its own purposes of security and self-defense.
V. Economic activity of both nations in the Pacific area.
The language of this section has been rephrased to make the provisions thereof applicable equally to the United States and to Japan.
VI. The policies of both nations affecting political stabilization in the Pacific area.
This section has been revised to make it consist of a clear-cut statement of the fundamental purpose of the understanding. The thought in mind is to give emphasis to this purpose so that the document may speak for itself on this all-important subject.
The statement of fundamental purpose has been assigned a section by itself in order that it may gain added emphasis.
The statement in the Japanese draft in regard to the Philippine Islands has been dealt with in a new section bearing number VII.
The statement in regard to Japanese immigration has been omitted in view of the established position of the United States that the question of immigration is a domestic matter. For that reason, to attempt to include a statement on this subject would stand in the way of the underlying purposes of the agreement.
VII. Neutralization of the Philippine Islands.
The phraseology of this section has been altered so as to bring it into conformity with the language of the Tydings-McDuffie Act, approved March 24, 1934.37
Addendum.
In view of the traditional policy of the United States and various practical considerations in the United States, important difficulties [Page 454] would be presented should the Government of the United States endeavor to keep secret the understanding under reference together with its annexes. This Government could probably arrange to keep the understanding secret for a period of a few weeks, during which time it believes that the two Governments should work out procedures covering the scope, character and timing of the announcement of the understanding and of at least the definitive substance thereof.
- 48 Stat. 456.↩