740.0011 Pacific War/848d: Circular telegram
The Secretary of State to Diplomatic Representatives in the American Republics
Department’s circular telegram of December 7. Please call immediately upon the Foreign Minister and make to him the following oral communication:
“As the Government of . . . . . . . is aware, for some 9 months the Government of the United States has been engaged in conversations with the Japanese Government in an effort to find a peaceful solution to the problems of the Pacific. Throughout the course of these conversations the policy of the United States has been based on the principles of international law and relations to which all the American nations adhere.
Today without prior warning the territory of the United States has been subjected to acts of unprovoked aggression on the part of Japanese armed forces. These attacks were perpetrated under conditions of the most infamous treachery.
The Government of the United States would welcome an expression of the views of the Government of . . . . . . . in the light of these circumstances and in the light of existing inter-American agreements and relationships.”
Please make it clear that the inquiry made is at this stage for the confidential information and guidance of this Government.