800.79611 Putnam, Amelia Earhart/140
Memorandum by Mr. Joseph W. Ballantine of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs of a Conversation With the Second Secretary of the Japanese Embassy (Hayama)
Mr. Hayama informed Mr. Ballantine over the telephone that the Japanese Embassy had received an urgent telegram from Tokyo asking that inquiry be made of this Government whether the Japanese Government could be of assistance in connection with the search for Amelia Earhart, in view of the fact that Japan had radio stations and warships in the Marshall Islands. Mr. Ballantine expressed his appreciation of the kind offer of the Japanese Government and said that he would refer it at once to the authorities of the American Government.
Mr. Ballantine got into touch with Mr. Hornbeck30 who communicated with Admiral Leahy.31 Mr. Ballantine then communicated to Mr. Hayama the reply of Admiral Leahy, which reply Mr. Hornbeck had relayed to Mr. Ballantine. Mr. Ballantine told Mr. Hayama that the Navy had received a faint message which offered a clue that Miss Earhart’s plane might be down at a spot about 200 miles north of Howland Island, that the U. S. S. Lexington was now on its way to the spot from the Pacific Coast, and the Colorado from Honolulu, but that as the spot in question was some days sailing distant, if the Japanese Government had any vessels which could reach the spot earlier any assistance they could give would be appreciated. Mr. Ballantine said that the search was being directed by the Naval Commandant at Honolulu, and suggested that the Japanese Navy get into touch with the Commandant for latest developments and in regard to arrangements for cooperation. Mr. Hayama said that the Embassy would telegraph Tokyo immediately.