711.94/254033/35
Draft Statement Prepared in the Division of Far Eastern Affairs
Oral
Reference is made to the formula proposed in the Japanese Government’s draft of September 253 for dealing with the attitudes of the [Page 592] Government of the United States and of the Government of Japan toward the European war. That formula was as follows:
“Both Governments maintain it their common aim to bring about peace in the world, and, when an opportune time arrives, they will endeavor jointly for the early restoration of world peace.
“With regard to developments of the situation prior to the restoration of world peace, both Governments will be guided in their conduct by considerations of protection and self-defense; and, in case the United States should participate in the European War, Japan would decide entirely independently in the matter of interpretation of the Tripartite Pact between Japan, Germany and Italy, and would likewise determine what actions might be taken by way of fulfilling the obligations in accordance with the said interpretation.”
In the statement communicated on November 10 by the Japanese Ambassador to the President of the United States4 inquiry was made whether the United States Government is in position to give an assurance that it has no intention of placing too liberal an interpretation on the term “protection and self-defense” that may lead to an abuse of the recognized right based upon it and it was stated that the Japanese Government would be ready to give a similar assurance on the basis of reciprocity.
It is not clear to the Government of the United States what purpose would be accomplished by the adoption of the suggestion indicated nor is it clear what the Japanese Government means by “too liberal an interpretation”. It is believed that the attitude of the Government of the United States toward the European war has been made very clear in public statements from time to time by the President, the Secretary of State and other high officials of the Government and in Acts of Congress. It would appear to the Government of the United States that the only ambiguity in the situation arises from the relationship of Japan to Germany and Italy under the Tripartite Alliance. In view of the many statements of a disquieting character that have been made in regard to the purposes of the Tripartite Pact, it is believed, if a beginning is to be made to start the world on a sound course, that it should be made clear that this is to be done on a basis of peace. If the proposed settlement covering the Pacific area can be worked out in regard to other points, it is thought that Japan would find it easier to work out a solution of the question of Japan’s relationship to the Axis Powers.
In the statement given to the Japanese Government on October 2 this Government stated that:5
“With reference to the attitude of each country toward the European war, this Government has noted with appreciation the further step [Page 593] taken by the Japanese Government to meet the difficulties inherent in this aspect of the relations between the two countries. It is believed that it would be helpful if the Japanese Government could give further study to the question of possible additional clarification of its position.”
In view of the considerations mentioned above this Government still feels that such additional clarification would be helpful.