Office of the Historian

762.9411/330½

Memorandum Received by the Adviser on Political Relations (Hornbeck) From a Newspaper Correspondent24

[Washington,] November 28, 1941.

Ambassador Nomura took the position that the main problem is to find a formula which would enable Japan to withdraw gracefully from effective participation in the Axis, and at the same time bring about a cessation of American aid to China.

Japan considers the United States has a de facto alliance with China which, in effect, is far more effective than Tokyo’s alliance with the Axis.

The American note makes the situation very difficult. Kurusu probably will return home shortly.

However, the President expressed the hope he would see them both again next week.

  1. Notation on file copy: “Handed me by a newspaper correspondent, November 28, 1941. S. K. H.” Noted by the Secretary and Under Secretary of State on November 29.↩