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

711.94/254030/36

The Secretary of the Navy (Knox) to the Secretary of State ¹⁴

undated

To the Congress of the United States: The relations between the United States and the Japanese Empire have now reached a stage where I consider it incumbent upon me to acquaint the Congress with the exact facts of the situation and their extremely serious implications.

For the past six months, conversations have been carried on between the Secretary of State and the President on behalf of the United States, and the Foreign Minister and Premier of Japan, for the purpose of arriving, if possible, at some understanding agreeable to both governments. Throughout this entire period, the government of the United States has been steadfast in its support of basic principles which should govern international relations. The principles for which we have stood in these discussions may be summarized as follows: [Here follows blank space to be filled in.]

We have devoted every effort of which we were capable to reach an agreement. With the utmost of forbearance and patience, we have sought to bring Japan into accord with us on these principles. These efforts have failed. Japan has refused to change her posture, and relations between the two nations are threatened with rupture.

In our negotiations, we have kept in close contact with the governments of Great Britain, Australia, the Netherlands Indies, and China. We have found these nations in complete agreement with the position we have assumed. In every proposal submitted to Japan, the rights and vital interests of these four nations have been faithfully represented. In the firm position which we have taken with respect to the Japanese attitude and conduct, we have had the moral support of these nations. We also have assurance of their material and military support if that becomes necessary.

Simply stated, what we are confronted with in the Far East is a repetition of the tactics pursued by Hitler in Europe during the past two years. The methods which Hitler has used in Europe so successfully and which are being faithfully imitated by Japan, consist of a gradual expansion of power and control over neighboring peoples by a slow, progressive infiltration through which one nation after another is subdued and enslaved either by actual force or by threats of force.

After this fashion and pursuing this policy of conquest by force, Japan has established herself in Korea and Manchukuo; she has sought for the past four years to subjugate China; in recent weeks and during the progress of our negotiations with her, she has invaded Indo-China, and now, she threatens with imminent attack, Thailand, Burma, the Netherlands Indies, and the Philippines.

This situation, precipitated exclusively by Japanese aggression, holds unmistakable threats to our vital interests and to our responsibility for the security of the Philippine Archipelago. The successful defense of the United States, in a military sense, is dependent upon supplies of vital materials which we import in large quantities from this region of the world. To permit Japanese domination and control of the major sources of world supplies of tin and rubber is a menace to our safety which cannot be tolerated. Along with this would go practical Japanese control of the Pacific.

Unless the present course of events in the Far East is halted, and considerations of justice, humanity and the principle of equality of opportunity be restored, we will witness in that region of the world, precisely what has already transpired throughout the continental limits of Europe where Hitler seeks dominion by ruthless force.

Information has reached us, of dependable character that Japan contemplates further measures of aggression. She has assembled both land and sea forces for new conquests. She can go no further in that direction without seriously threatening the vital interests of Great Britain, the Netherlands Indies, Australia and ourselves. Unless Japan renounces such purposes and withdraws this threat of further conquest by force, the four nations involved must resort to force to prevent this aggression, since arguments appear to have failed.

In a final effort to prevent an extension of hostilities in the Far East, I have addressed an appeal to the Emperor of Japan to join me in my efforts. In the meantime, while I await the result of this latest effort toward peaceful solution, I felt it incumbent upon me to apprise the Congress, and through you, the people of the United States of the serious situation with which we are confronted.

14. Penciled notation on original: “Suggestion from Knox”; additional notation: “About November 25–28” when draft suggestion was submitted “for the proposed President’s message to the Congress.”