No. 928
October 16, 1941 http://Louis1J1Sheehan1Esquire.us
#706.
FROM: Tokyo
TO: Hsinking Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
(Part 1 of 2.)
Part 1 of #1200(?) addressed to the Minister from our Ambassador in Soviet Russia.
Newspapers in this country have not, until today, mentioned a word about the German general offensive. Since the first of the month compulsory military training, mentioned in my #1155[a], has been carried on.
On the 3rd, not only those born in 1922 but all of those who had previously been deferred were enlisted and on the 5th, the authorities in charge of primary schools ordered the parents of children under 12 years of age to remove the children to Chelyabinsk[b]. (There have been a
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THE “MAGIC” BACKGROUND OF PEARL HARBOR
considerable number who had evacuated in the middle of July but who have returned to the city later.) (It seems that few are responding to this order.)
On the 6th,—–system was put into effect for milk for infants and for eggs and cream. On
the other hand, fortifications are being built in the suburbs giving one a sense of the impending crisis.
On the 8th, the newspapers all of a sudden announced that severe fighting was going on at Vyazma (243 kilometers from this city by rail) and at Bryansk (272 kilometers from this city).
[a] Not available.
[b] City, SW Ural area in Soviet Russia.
Trans. 10-21-41
No. 929
October 6, 1941
#706.
FROM: Tokyo
TO: Hsinking
(Part 2 of 2.)
Today, the 9th, the desertion of OREL (?) (387 kilometers from this city) was announced. That this news was a severe shock to the people in general is unmistakably evident. Both the “Pravda” and the “Isvestia” printed tragic editorials on the 9th, strongly emphasizing the fact that the present war is a struggle as a result of which they would either overthrow Facism or become its slaves; that if they do not wish to lose the war and become victims of German aggression, they can do no other than fight to the finish; and, therefore, the people should unite as one body and strive to overcome the crisis. However, this editorial has no appeal to the people at large, for, among other reasons, they are resentful towards the government leaders who have kept themselves shut in the Kremlin and have brought about this defeat. It seems that anxiety and restlessness are growing more than ever among the people.
Trans. 10-21-41
No. 930
October 17, 1941
#290.
FROM: Rio de Janeiro (Ishii)
TO: Santiago, Buenos Aires, Quito, Lima, La Paz Cir.
(Received from Tokyo as Circular #2149.)
Ambassador Tatekawa in Moscow and most of his staff evacuated Moscow on the 16th, leaving only a few staff members, together with the diplomatic corps. Their destination is not definitely known yet. Send no code messages to that office.
Trans. 10-21-41
No. 931
August 6, 1941
#516.
FROM: Rome
TO: Tokyo
Since the occupation of French Indo-China, the activities of the empire have attracted the general concern of this country. All papers carried news of this activity and gave it preemin-
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ence, especially insofar as it applied to the press campaigns of Britain, the United States, and the Soviet, and emphasized the strength and arms of Japanese Empire. This state of affairs, as you are aware, I told you repeatedly in my wires and special communications. The expectation is strong that Japan will take new and direct measures. This trend is being correlated with British and American propaganda in regard to rumors of a compromise with the United States and the weakness of Japan’s economic condition. Officially they are controlling rumors of an estrangement between Japan and the Axis.
All the newspapers in this city have been editorializing at length contradicting the apparent strength of England and the United States by saying that under the surface they are taking pacific measures and have no intention of arousing Japan suddenly. They hope to do this gradually. Should Japan take the initiative and exert her full might, Britain and America’s pressure upon Japan would be no problem at all. Being by very nature impulsive, they are impatient for Japan to come out and take the offensive against England and the United States suddenly from the dark.
In addition, they say that should the United States effect assistance to the Soviet by way of Siberia, they would force Japan into a war against the Soviet. It would seem through their editorial comment, that all people here are impatient in their hopes of the current situation revolving into a general war against the Soviet. On the other hand, they are impetuously wishful in their desires for another strong hand in this fight and hope that Japan will take the initiative.
Relayed to Berlin.
Trans. 8-8-41
No. 932
August 18, 1941
#526.
FROM: Rome
TO: Tokyo
According to a spy report, HITLER and MUSSOLINI will meet somewhere in South Russia in the near future. If this is true, it is to be construed as a counter-action to the recent meeting of ROOSEVELT and CHURCHILL on the sea.
Relayed to Berlin.
Trans. 8-20-41
No. 933
August 22, 1941
#540.
FROM: Rome
TO: Tokyo
During a broadcast of general news on the 12th, it was reported as special news of that day from Shanghai that negotiations for the final draft of a treaty of mutual aid had been completed between Soviet Russia and the CHIANG regime. Now if this is true, I believe we could use it as an effective warning in our propaganda by accusing Soviet Russia as thereby having violated the Japan-Soviet Russia neutrality agreement. Will you please wire me for my information the truth of the matter.
Trans. 8-26-41
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THE “MAGIC” BACKGROUND OF PEARL HARBOR
No. 934
August 27, 1941
#234. http://Louis1J1Sheehan1Esquire.us
FROM: Tokyo
TO: Rome
Re your #540[a].
The above was a newspaper report and its veracity is being investigated at present. There is also the relation mentioned in paragraph 8 of my Circular #1587[b]. However, at present the authorities are not making use of this propaganda material.
[a] See III, 933.
[b] Worldwide propaganda campaign will be initiated along with occupation of French Indo-China.
Trans. 9-16-41
No. 935
August 28, 1941
#550.
FROM: Rome
TO: Tokyo
(Part 1 of 3.)
Re my #514[a].
The party of Japanese newspapermen who were on their way to Croatia (Kanakura, a semi-official attached to this office, accompanied them) left here on the 9th and was warmly welcomed at many places. They had an opportunity to interview Prime Minister PABERATTI[b], Foreign Minister RORUKOBITTI[b], and other important personages and then returned on the 25th. Their report of their trip was roughly as follows:
1. Peace and order in the country is gradually being restored under the leadership of PABERATTUTI[b] who is backed by the UUSUTASRA[b] (which corresponds to the Fascist Party). Although the influence of the MACHEKKU[c] faction is still strong among the peasants, MA is on good terms with PA (on the 10th the MACHEKKU[c] faction (peasant party) members united the UUSUTASHA[b]) and is now giving increasing cooperation to win them over, the Mohammedans around Saraebo are more and more acting in unison with this party. Strict vigilence is being exercised as ever over the action of the Serbians (about 1,000,000); however, about two months ago an agreement was made with Germany to exchange about half of this number of Serbians with the Slovenes in the Serbian territory and this agreement is already being put into effect.
2. The country is rich in such resources as forestry, live stock, agriculture, mining, etc., and the Government has appropriated 4,000,000 naaru for public work and 2,600,000,000 for agricultural reconstruction. Thus, the Government is endeavoring to develop natural resources and build up the country. The cities were found to be clean and the cultural level of the people fairly high. Their self-confidence is so strong as to amount to being faith.
[a] Not available.
[b] Kana spelling.
[c] Matchek.
Trans. 0-00-00
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No. 936
August 28, 1941
#550.
FROM: Rome
TO: Tokyo
(Part 2 of 3.)
3. Antagonism which the people harbor against Italy is beyond one’s imagination. They resent strongly Italy’s attitude in presenting them with exorbitant demands regardless of the fact that Italy had not given Croatia any military assistance to enable her to achieve her independence, and in treating the country as if it were a more vassal state; nor do they find any good reason for Italy’s taking possession of Dalmatia, which is a region hardly Italian in any respect. In fact, some Croats go so far as to demand the return of the lost territories of Fiume[a] and Zara[b].
4. At the beginning when PABERITTUTI assumed his post, Italy’s demand was for the cession of the entire region east of the line extending from Ogulin to Mosutaaru[d]. However, the Croatian Government having refused to comply with this demand, a compromise was finally made with the—–of the harbor of Supretto[e] as the line. More recently Italy demanded the right of political control over the region extending from Kaarobattu[f] to Sosutaaru[g] and submitted an ultimatum giving 11:00 p.m. of the 17th of this month as the hour for reply and thus forced them to grant her the right to place the coastal region on the Adriatic Sea under the control of the Commander in Chief of the Italian forces in that region.
On repeated occasions the Croatian authorities appealed to Germany with regard to the Italian pressure. However, it is said that Germany is allowing the matter to remain fuming, saying that Croatia should wait until the Russo-German war is over.
Furthermore, between Italy and Croatia are various pending questions, such as the question of marking the national boundary and the question of trade. Italy has early sent representatives to Croatia to discuss these questions, but the Croatians are resorting to delaying contacts. It is said that this attitude is due to German advice.
[a] Prov. Venezia Giuliae Zara Dept. Italy.
[b] Prov. Venezia Giuliae Zara Dept. Italy on Dalmation Coast.
[c] Comm., Sava Co., Yugoslavia.
[d] Mostar, Comm. S.E. Primorjo Co., Yugoslavia, on Narenta River.
[e] Spalato (also spelled “Split”) seaport city, capital of Primorjo Co.,
[f] Karlovac—Comm. W. Con. Sava Co., Yugoslavia.
[g] Probably Susak, seaport, Comm. W. Sava Co., Yugoslavia.
Trans. 0-00-00
No. 937
August 28, 1941
#550.
FROM: Rome
TO: Tokyo
(Part 3 of 3.)
5. The German forces are encamped mainly on the side facing Hungary from the line extending between Zagaburia[a] (approximately 10,000) and Saraebo[b] (approximately 9,000). The Italian forces are encamped along the region extending toward the Adriatic Sea on one side of the line extending from a point about 15 kilometers south of Zagaburia[a] to Mosuuru[c]. They have roughly 6,000 to 7,000 in Raguza[d] and 10,000 in Supakaato[c]. The standard of the Italian forces is far below that of the German forces, and this has contributed to the Croatians’ contempt
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THE “MAGIC” BACKGROUND OF PEARL HARBOR
of Italy. At the time of the recent outbreak of a rebellion in Montenegro, the Italian forces were encircled at Bokka-de-kataro[f] and at other points, and it is said that the Italian Minister in Zagaburia[a] had to appeal to Croatia for aid.
6. The general feeling toward Germany is excellent. Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire The people tend to depend on Germany as the only country which could restrain Italy. The Croats have recognized by a broad interpretation of Croatian laws, the autonomy of some 150,000 Germans residing in the country and have gone so far as to permit these Germans to form a citizens’ army. The boundary line between Serbia, now under German occupation, and Croatia has already been fixed, with the river Dorina as the border, in an agreement between Germany and Croatia.
7. The incident of Hungary’s taking advantage of the disintegration of Yugoslavia and occupying the oil regions of Muru[g] has caused considerable indignation on the part of the Croats, who regard it as a second Fiume incident. Naturally their feelings toward Hungary are very bad. This is why they have listed the Hungarians along with the Slovakians and Italians on the top of their listing of enemy countries.
8. They are now using some 60,000 men, including the Army, Navy and air forces in the Russo-German war. The Navy, displaying the Croatian flag on three German warships, is taking an active part in the Black Sea.
[a] Zagreb.
[b] Serajevo.
[c] Kana spelling.
[d] Ragusa, a seaport W. Zeta Co. Yugoslavia.
[e] Spalato or Split.
[f] Probably Boka Kotoraka.
[g] Mur(?).
Trans. 9-2-41
No. 938
August 30, 1941
#556.
FROM: Rome
TO: Tokyo
(Part 1 of 2.)
Re my #512[a]. Strictly secret.
1. I have since been watching the attitude of the Japanese Government as it appeared to me here, and have received the impression that Japan is endeavoring principally to restrain Great Britain, the United States and Soviet Russia and has neither the intention nor the power to break immediately the encirclement of Japan by these countries. If preparations in Japan have been completed to carry out her magnificent policy, it is a matter of congratulations. However, if on the contrary, preparations are not being carried out as intended, a war of nerves based principally on restraining other countries serves to sharpen the attitude of vigilance on the part of those countries, as well as to strengthen their counter policy. It would help only to hasten their preparations against us and in turn cause us to pay a greater sacrifice when the time comes for us to take up arms as a last resort in order to break the encirclement. Furthermore, if, as a result, the war becomes an indecisive one, it cannot be said that there is no danger of our being obliged to engage in a lengthy struggle which would be unprofitable to us.
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2. Of course it is clear that in breaking this encirclement and pressure against Japan there are methods varying in their degree of urgency and difficulty. We should select the method most in accord with our national strength and the development of the international situation; but to carry out boldly at this time our policy of southward advance and to invade Thailand with our armies—this is absolutely essential;
[a] See II, 679-681.
Trans. 00-00-00
No. 939
August 30, 1941
#556.
FROM: Rome
TO: Tokyo
(Part 2 of 2.)
for, today when Britain, the United States and Soviet Russia have not yet fully joined hands, this action will not lead to a clash with Great Britain and the United States. I believe it is becoming increasingly imperative that from this point we quickly demolish this front in the east and then deal with Great Britain and the United States.
Although Germany’s war against Soviet Russia may not progress in the manner anticipated by Germany, Germany will probably, generally speaking, succeed in occupying the most important sections of European Russia within the next two months or so. I believe that Japan’s attitude will have a great deal of influence upon enabling Germany to concentrate her power in attacking Britain. It goes without saying that should Germany concentrate her attention to attacking Britain, British forces in the south will be greatly increased.
3. If it is that Japan can complete her work of establishing a new order in the greater East Asia and maintain at the same time her security merely by a policy of restraining other countries, it might be well. However, if in the meantime the British and American encirclement of the European Continent gains in strength, and Germany’s offensive power against England weakens, and in turn United States pressure on Japan increases, Japan will have to face what she fears most; namely, lack of petroleum and other necessary materials and she, in utter desperation, will have to fight. This would be a serious thing for Japan, indeed.
Trans. 9-4-41
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