740.0011 Pacific War/741: Telegram

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

5929. Personal to the Secretary for the President. It was great to talk to you. The Prime Minister is calling Parliament to meet at 3 o’clock this afternoon. Would it be best for him to ask for a declaration of war at that time or simply describe what had taken place and say that we would ask for a declaration of war within an hour after we had declared war which he has pledged to do?

I am thinking of the difference in time and that you might want to address the joint session prior to a British declaration of war.

The Prime Minister wanted you to know that he sent the following private and secret message to de Valera:7

“Now is your chance. Now or never! A nation once again! I am very ready to meet you at any time.”

If you also would like to send de Valera a message you might want me to deliver it. We are old friends and I understand he gives me some credit for persuading the government here to abandon conscription in Northern Ireland.

I hope people at home will relate the tactic pursued and the action taken by Japan to German instigation and collaboration under the tripartite pact.

I am back at the Embassy.

Winant
  1. Eamon de Valera, Irish Prime Minister.