711.94/20058/14
The Postmaster General (Walker) to the Secretary of State 48
[New
York,] March 17, 1941.
Memo
- 1.—The draft of our agreement establishes the basis not only of cooperative action by the United States but inaugurates a revolution of “ideology” in Japan. What Mr. Wikawa has called the “180° change” cannot be produced in Japan without the greatest secrecy of preparation where public opinion, (as distinguished from press reports), carries great weight.
- 2.—During Matsuoka’s visit at Berlin, Germany will probably threaten Japan with attack from Russia and direct aid to Chiang-Kai-Shek from both Germany and Russia for the continuance of the war.
- N. B. 3.—As the complete reversal of the Axis policy for Japan can only be accomplished effectively by a coup de main, and as a thorough solution of “the Japan question” is desired as soon as possible by the United States, the Japanese will move with great rapidity and cable to their Embassy at Washington their formulation of our “agreement in principle” for official presentation by Admiral Nomura immediately upon my assurance that I have well-founded knowledge that it would prove substantially acceptable.
- 4.—The Japanese entertain a lively enmity toward the British who, they feel, have misrepresented them to the United States and misrepresented them in the Far East.
- 5.—Mr. Wikawa has cabled Prince Konoye urging upon him that he personally should prepare a draft of “spiritual” principles affecting human freedom and rights.
- 6.—Three weeks ago, the Japanese Government advised the leading newspaper editors to modify anti-American utterances.
- 7.—The preliminary draft is now complete and I shall bring it to you at Washington on Wednesday.49
P. S.—It cannot be too strongly emphasized that Prince Konoye, Count Arima and Marquis Kido (Lord Keeper of Privy Seal) are endangering their lives by these negotiations. Obviously, they will not confide in the Japanese Embassy at Washington until they are certain of substantial agreement with the two persons.