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).


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

711.94/2561


[505] The British Ambassador (Halifax) to the Secretary of State

711.94/2579


[506] The Netherland Legation to the Department of State

740.0011 Pacific War/1301


[507] The Secretary of State to President Roosevelt

711.94/254023/35


[508] The Secretary of the Navy (Knox) to President Roosevelt

711.94/254030/36


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

740.0011 Pacific War/659: Telegram


[510] The Navy Department to the Department of State

711.94/2555


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

711.94/2091: Telegram


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

740.0011 Pacific War/674


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

711.94/2540


[514] The British Ambassador (Halifax) to the Secretary of State

740.0011 Pacific War/675


[515] Memorandum by the Adviser on Political Relations (Hornbeck)

740.0011 P. W./1245


[517] The Consul at Tsingtao (Meyer) to the Secretary of State

793.94/17037: Telegram


[518] The Consul General at Canton (Myers) to the Secretary of State

793.94/17016: Telegram


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

711.94/2502: Telegram


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

711.94/2487: Telegram


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

711.94/2503: Telegram


[522] Memorandum by the Adviser on Political Relations (Hornbeck)

793.94/17050


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

740.0011 Pacific War/570: Telegram


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

711.94/2600


[527] The Consul General at Batavia (Foote) to the Secretary of State

711.94/2513: Telegram


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

711.94/2515: Telegram


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

740.0011 Pacific War/1002


[533] The Consul General at Canton (Myers) to the Secretary of State

793.94/17043: Telegram