711.94/5–1641
Memorandum by the Adviser on Political Relations (Hornbeek)60
May 16, 1941.
A Draft
The Governments of the United States and of Japan share in common the hope that, by a joint effort, their nations may effectively contribute toward preservation of peace and consummation of justice in the Pacific.
The two Governments declare that it is their concept and conviction that the nations and races of the world, each having rights and having obligations, with a mutuality of interests best promoted by peaceful processes and naturally directed to the safeguarding and improving of their national welfare, which each is bound to defend for itself and should be bound not to destroy for others, should admit and live up to their responsibilities and should refrain from and oppose any oppression or exploitation of any nations or races.
The two Governments will endeavor to prevent further extension of the European war and will exert their influence toward restoration of peace in Europe.
The two Governments will refrain from war in the Pacific and will oppose belligerent operations in that area.
The Government of Japan declares that its alliance with the Axis powers is defensive only, that its hope is to deter any nations which are not already involved in that war from entering into it, and that its obligations of military assistance under the Tripartite Pact are limited.
The Government of the United States declares that its attitude toward the European war is determined by no intention of aggression and will be determined solely and exclusively by considerations of the safeguarding of its own national security.
The two Governments will confer with the Government of China, in the hope of bringing about entry upon and conclusion of an agreement between Japan and China for the termination of hostilities between [Page 197] those two countries and resumption of peaceful and mutually beneficial relations between those two countries.
The two Governments each undertake to place no artificial obstacles in the way of a free flow of commodities between the two countries in amounts not less than are necessary for normal economic activities, except as regards such commodities as may need to be reserved in either country for purposes of national defense and security.
The two Governments each undertake to take no action in or with third countries discriminatory in character or in natural effect against the legitimate interests of the other country.
The two Governments agree to cooperate toward making universally effective the principle of equality of commercial opportunity in terms of equality of treatment.
The two Governments agree to cooperate in peaceful procurement and assurance, to meet the needs of each, of essential materials—such as oil, rubber, tin, nickel et cetera—from areas where such materials are produced.
- Transmitted by Dr. Hornbeck to Messrs. Hamilton and Ballantine.↩