Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1941, The Far East, Volume IV

894.24/1750

Memorandum by the Adviser on Political Relations (Hornbeck)⁵²

[Washington,] September 24, 1941.

I concur, right straight through, in the expressions of opinion which I find in this memorandum.⁵³

I concur in the recommendations with regard to petroleum and iron ore—except that I would suggest that, in imparting to the British and the Dutch information regarding our position and intentions, we do so in general and guarded terms rather than in terms of a promise or agreement.

With regard to cotton, I suggest that the question be “let ride” for the present—with an expectation that before long we will arrive at an opportune moment for taking the action recommended; and that we so inform the British.

S[tanley] K. H[ornbeck]

52. Initialed by the Secretary of State.
53. Dated September 22, supra.