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

740.0011 P. W./152

The British Prime Minister (Churchill) to President Roosevelt ¹⁶

I have better news about Japan. Apparently Matsuoka is visiting Berlin, Rome and Moscow in the near future. That may well be diplomatic sop to cover the absence of action against Great Britain. If Japanese attack which seemed imminent is now postponed, this is largely due to the fear of the United States. The more these fears can be played upon the better but I understand thoroughly your difficulties pending the passage of the bill on which our hopes depend.¹⁷

Appreciation given in my last personal and secret message¹⁸ of the naval consequences following Japanese aggression against Great Britain holds good in all circumstances.

[ London ,] February 20, 1941.

16. Copy transmitted to the Secretary of State by the British Ambassador under covering letter of February 21, together with copy of his letter of the same date to President Roosevelt (neither printed).
17. Lend-lease bill, approved March 11; 55 Stat. 31.
18. Transmitted February 16, p. 79.