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

751G.94/374²⁄₇

Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs (Hamilton) to the Acting Secretary of State

[Washington,] July 18, 1941.

Mr. Welles: Would it be worthwhile for the President to ask Admiral Nomura to call and for the President to talk to Admiral Nomura along the lines of the Secretary’s comments as set forth in the attached memorandum?³⁴ The President might introduce his comments with the remark that in as much as a new Japanese Cabinet has taken office, and in as much as the new Foreign Minister³⁵ is reported to be an old friend and associate of Admiral Nomura’s, the President wished to speak to Admiral Nomura very frankly in regard to this Government’s concern over the continued reports that the Japanese Government is planning to acquire military and naval bases in French Indochina. I would recommend strongly against any threat being made to the Japanese Ambassador but I think it might be advisable for the President to say that if in existing circumstances Japan should acquire military and naval bases in French Indochina, we could not but regard the acquisition of such bases as obtained under duress. I think the President might also ask the question how could the Japanese Government expect the President and the Secretary of State to continue their conversations with the Ambassador directed toward improvement of relations between the United States and Japan if Japan should now acquire military and naval bases in French Indochina. It would seem useful to emphasize that Japan is not menaced by any other country and is in no danger.

Should the President have such a talk with the Japanese Ambassador, I suggest that the President expressly ask the Ambassador to make prompt report of the President’s remarks to the new Japanese Foreign Minister and to the Japanese Premier.³⁶

M[axwell] M. H[amilton]

34. Supra.
35. Adm. Teijiro Toyoda.
36. Notation on original by Mr. Hamilton: “Mr. Hornbeck and Mr. Welles do not approve.” Dr. Hornbeck on July 18 wrote separately as follows: “I do not view this proposal with favor. I think that the President should not take an initiative in such matters—where the chances are against his approach having the desired effect.” (FE Files, Lot 244) For Mr. Welles’ memorandum of July 18, see Foreign Relations, Japan, 1931–1941, vol. ii, p. 515.