740.0011 Pacific War/1104
Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs (Hamilton) to the Secretary of State
Mr. Secretary: In the attached memorandum of September 1187a Admiral Stark recommends that unless Japan and Russia should be legally at war we should not acquiesce in any declaration which Japan might issue closing entrance to the Sea of Japan, that we should continue to ship goods to Vladivostok under the United States flag, and that we should provide naval escort for our flag vessels.
Admiral Stark suggests that, if the United States were to decide to acquiesce in such a Japanese declaration, our shipping would need to be diverted to ports other than Vladivostok.
Admiral Stark suggests that if Japan could be made aware of our attitude in advance it might forestall a move by Japan designed to shut off Vladivostok to United States shipping. Keeping in mind the suggestion which you made orally a few days ago that in your conversations with the Japanese Ambassador we might keep before him the fact of this country’s serious interest in certain situations and of the consequences which would ensue should Japan take new steps of aggression, it is suggested that you might care, should an opportune occasion arise during the course of your conversations with the Japanese Ambassador, to bring up the importance which this Government attaches to maintenance of the freedom of the seas in the Pacific as well as in the Atlantic and elsewhere and indicate that this question is one of the principal factors in serious concern over Hitler’s program. You might indicate that the principle of freedom of the [Page 576] seas ties in closely, in reference to keeping sea lanes open for extending aid to Russia, with this country’s self-defense effort, which, as the Ambassador knows, constitutes the major effort and policy of the United States at this time.
It is believed that, while we should probably avoid taking any action at this time which could be construed by Japan as a new and express warning, a useful purpose would be served by presenting the matter to the Japanese Ambassador along the lines indicated.