Chapter VI: November 15–December 7, 1941

Preparation of draft texts of modus vivendi under consideration in conversations with Ambassadors Kurusu and Nomura; President Roosevelt’s “6 months” suggestion (about November 20); draft for consideration of British, Chinese, Netherlands, and Australian Governments (November 22); revised draft for the four Governments (November 24); President Roosevelt’s telegram to Prime Minister Churchill (November 24); Generalissimo Chiang’s apprehension and replies from other Governments (November 25); final draft (November 25); Prime Minister Churchill’s telegram to President Roosevelt (November 26); Secretary Hull’s decision against modus vivendi with Japan, President Roosevelt’s concurrence, and presentation instead to Japanese Government of basis for “broad agreement covering the entire Pacific area” (November 26); Secretary Hull’s explanation of change of plan to representatives of various Governments (November 27) and to Ambassador Grew (November 28); Secretary Hull’s warning to British Ambassador as to possibility of war with Japan (November 29); drafts of proposed message to Japanese Emperor (November 29, December 6); President Roosevelt’s messages to Japanese Emperor and to Generalissimo Chiang (December 6); final meeting with Ambassadors Nomura and Kurusu (December 7).


[444] Memorandum Prepared in the Division of Far Eastern Affairs

711.94/254012/35


[447] The Ambassador in Japan ( Grew ) to the Secretary of State

794.00/268: Telegram


[448] Memorandum by Mr. Joseph W. Ballantine to the Secretary of State

711.94/254015/35


[449] Memorandum by the Secretary of the Treasury (Morgenthau)

711.94/254015/35


[450] Memorandum Prepared in the Division of Far Eastern Affairs

711.94/11–1741


[452] Memorandum of Conversation, by the Secretary of State

711.94/2467


[453] Memorandum of Conversation, by the Secretary of State

740.0011 European War 1939/16848


[455] The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan ( Grew )

711.94/2463a: Telegram


[456] Memorandum by Mr. Joseph W. Ballantine to the Secretary of State

711.94/254021/35


[458] The Chargé in Germany ( Morris ) to the Secretary of State

711.94/2463: Telegram


[459] The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China ( Gauss )

711.94/2463b: Telegram


[462] Draft Document Prepared in the Division of Far Eastern Affairs

711.94/11–2141


[464] The Chief of Naval Operations ( Stark ) to the Secretary of State

711.94/254025/35


[465] The Navy Department to the Department of State

793.94/17045


[466] Memorandum by Mr. Joseph W. Ballantine to the Secretary of State

711.94/254022/35


[467] Draft of Proposed “Modus Vivendi” With Japan

711.94/2476


[468] Memorandum of Conversation, by the Secretary of State

711.94/2475


[470] Revised Draft of Proposed “Modus Vivendi” With Japan

711.94/2476


[471] Memorandum of Conversation, by the Secretary of State

711.94/2476


[472] The Secretary of State to President Roosevelt

711.94/2471


[473] The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom ( Winant )

711.94/2471: Telegram