811.20 (D) Regulations/6613
Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs (Hamilton)
I strongly recommend that the two proposed statements to the press be revised in such a way as to (1) indicate that the additional restrictions on exports of petroleum products are being put into effect because of the defense needs of the United States, and (2) avoid mention of Japan (or Japanese-occupied China).
To mention Japan by name would represent a definitely new departure from the procedure heretofore followed. As long as the same effect can be obtained, I definitely favor proceeding with some finesse. I therefore strongly recommend that the press releases follow the procedure and form used in previous statements to the press, for instance, the statements issued on July 31 and December 10, 194096 (attached).
- Foreign Relations, Japan, 1931–1941, vol. ii, pp. 218 and 232. For press release issued on July 25, 1941, see ibid., p. 266. See also telegrams Nos. 457, August 1, 9 p.m., and 458, August 1, 10 p.m., to the Ambassador in Japan, post, p. 851.↩