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).


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

711.94/2547: Telegram


[535] The Secretary of State to President Roosevelt

711.94/25946/8a


[536] President Roosevelt to the Secretary of State

740.0011 Pacific War/856


[537] The Secretary of State to President Roosevelt

740.0011 Pacific War/856


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

740.0011 P. W./659: Telegram


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

711.94/2550: Telegram


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

711.94/254b: Telegram


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

711.94/2554c: Telegram


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

711.94/2553: Telegram


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

711.94/12–741