Office of the Historian

The Secretary of State to President Roosevelt 73

undated

When the Jap Prime Minister requested a meeting with you he indicated a fairly basic program in generalities, but left open such questions as getting troops out of China, Tripartite pact, non-discrimination in trade on Pacific.

We indicated desire for meeting, but suggested first an agreement in principle on the vital questions left open, so as to insure the success of the Conference.

Soon thereafter, the Japs narrowed their position on these basic questions, and now continue to urge the meeting at Juneau.

My suggestion is to recite their more liberal attitude when they first sought the meeting with you, with their much narrowed position now, and earnestly ask if they cannot go back to their original liberal attitude so we can start discussions again on agreement in principle before the meeting, and reemphasizing your desire for a meeting—

  1. Photostatic copy obtained from the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, N. Y. Penciled statement on White House stationery, accompanied by a note from the Secretary of State: “My suggestion on Jap. situation—for you to read later. CH”.↩