No. 610
FROM: Panama (Akiyama) November 12, 1941
TO: Washington # 18.
(Circular.) (Message to Tokyo # 277.)
‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑. The Argentine Minister, KARUDEWOTEI, on the 11th at a luncheon given by me, told me that his home government had instructed him to return home in a hurry before a Japanese‑American war started. Since the outbreak of war in the Pacific seemed to be inevitable, they did not care one whit ‑‑‑‑- ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑. Consequently, he told me confidentially that he was going to fly home by clipper.
This is clear corroboration that Argentina will not participate in the war, it seems to me. It seems likely that they intend to watch the development of the situation.
Furthermore, Argentina is understood now to be burning several million tons of surplus wheat.
Trans. 12‑3‑41
No. 611
FROM: Buenos Aires (Tomii) November 14, 1941
TO: Tokyo # 484.
An account of what the Foreign Office officials said about the Panama question appeared in all the newspapers as an AP dispatch from Tokyo. However, no one paid any attention to it. Furthermore, up to now the atmosphere in this country has been calm so far as Japanese are concerned. Not only that, but the http://LOUIS-J-SHEEHAN-ESQUIRE.US Government, too, has stuck to a neutral policy. I take this, Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire however, as an indication that they may be going to apply pressure against us, so I have decided to make representations to the Government of this country and, if possible, prevent an unfortunate course of events.
Trans. 12‑1‑41
No. 612
FROM: Buenos Aires (BUEAS) November 28, 1941
TO: Tokyo (SUMMER) (Vice Chief, General Staff) # 017.
1. The progress of the negotiations between Japan and America, and the movements of our troops from Central China, point to the fact that America has decided to declare war against Japan soon.
This appears plain in the reports received from America.
2. Recently Britain has been rapidly calling up all British male citizens in Argentina (up to about 40 years of age).
Details of their number, destination, etc., are unknown.
Trans. 1‑14‑45
No. 613
FROM: Buenos Aires (Tomii) November 28, 1941
TO: Tokyo # 505.
Re your # 246[a].
On the 8th, I had a talk with the Foreign Minister in regard to negotiations to foster an understanding (see my # 487[a]), and the next day LA RAZON not only published the fact of my talk with the Foreign Minister, but also reported as having been confirmed by the Foreign Office that negotiations to foster an understanding between Japan and the Argentine
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were already in progress. After this the English and American newspapers ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑ bill for America to purchase all of Argentina’s surplus products for three years. (Axis ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑) ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑ government acts as though it were not very enthusiastic towards reaching a settlement. Although they did not say that Argentina had announced its refusal to cooperate, they left a false impression from the above details that it had been announced.
On the 20th NAKAMURA went to the Vice‑Chief of the Commerce Bureau to try to verify the source of this report and of leaks regarding the contents of our conversation. (On the 19th a UP writer told NAKAMURA that he knew from Foreign Office sources that the purpose of these talks was trade negotiations). He said that if the Foreign Office was the source of these reports, we considered it very deplorable, but they replied that they knew nothing about it. Afterwards the Foreign Minister told me privately that he was accustomed to give light replies in press conferences, but that he would request a thorough investigation as to the real source of the report in the Foreign Office.
I believe that it is important to realize that publicity is not desirable in this problem of approaching a commercial settlement, and that the forthcoming reopening of negotiations be kept strictly secret. I plan to request when the conferences open that if any announcement must be made, it be made with the approval of the members of the Argentine and Japanese committee.
[a] Not available.
Trans. 12‑2‑41
No. 614
FROM: Buenos Aires December 8, 1941
TO: Tokyo # 520.
On the occasion of my conversations with the Foreign Minister on the 5th, we referred to Japan‑American relations. I said bluntly, “In the event Japan and the United States find themselves unfortunately in a state of war, what will Argentina’s attitude be?” The Foreign Minister replied, “The attitude of Argentina will be restrained by Article 15 of the Havana Protocol (the declaration calling for joint defense of the American continents). That is to say in the event of hostilities arising between Japan and the United States the various countries of South America certainly will be asked by the United States to make application of this article. At that time various countries of South America will treat the United States as a so‑called non‑aggressor nation (Japan will naturally be treated as an aggressor nation). Nevertheless, in the event that the United States requests aid from us, we will be forced to grant facilities to that country. But, insofar as Argentina herself is concerned, no ill treatment will be meted out to Japan. Though this is but qualified neutrality, it is the interpretation we apply to the above mentioned declaration.”
In regard to this interpretation there is some doubt. Therefore I said, “After I have duly studied the matter, I will request an early interview.” Thereupon I left.
Since the situation has radically changed, I have transmitted the above as it stands to Brazil.
Trans. 12‑8‑41
No. 615
FROM: Buenos Aires (Tomii) December 8, 1941
TO: Tokyo # 521.
Re your # 258[a].
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On the 8th, I interviewed the Foreign Minister and reminded him how Japan and Argentina have maintained amity for many years and how we respect and trust his country. I went on to say that we regard Argentina always as the leader of all South America and then told him what you advised me to in your preceding telegram. He replied, “Yes, we have been friends a long time and what you say is all right so far as I am concerned. However, I must talk it over with the President directly and I will give you a reply today or tomorrow. You know, London, Ottawa, Canberra and Chungking have all made the same statement that you have to us. However, we have not received any solicitations from Washington or Rio.”
(According to a radio report, Brazil has announced solidarity with the United States.)
[a] Not available.
Trans. 12‑10‑41
No. 616
FROM: Buenos Aires (Tomii) December 8, 1941
TO: Rio Circular # 181.
Message from Tokyo # 259.
Simultaneously with the outbreak of war between Japan and America and England, it may become impossible for us to get in direct contact with Mexico, Central America, Panama and Cuba so will you be ever on the alert to gather any information possible about the activities of these nations particularly any Japanese measures, declarations Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire of war, detention of Japanese, and etc.
Wire me back whenever you know anything.
Please send, as this Foreign Minister’s instructions, to Rio, Valparaiso, Lima, Bogota, and Caracas.
Trans. 12‑9‑41
No. 617
FROM: Tokyo (Togo) October 24, 1941
TO: Washington Circular # 2222.
(Strictly secret.)
At the end of September we changed the direction, time, and contents of our foreign broadcasts. Will you, therefore, think back http://LOUIS-J-SHEEHAN-ESQUIRE.US in the past and make any suggestions you deem wise concerning technique, contents, priority and so forth.
Relay to San Francisco, Rio, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Panama, Honolulu.
Trans. 11‑4‑41
No. 618
FROM: Rio de Janeiro (Ishii) November 11, 1941
TO: Tokyo # 453.
Re your Circular # 2222[a]
Judging from reports from the various districts, of late reception conditions have improved considerably and all are happy over it. In view of the fact that communications with Japan have almost been cut off, and it is impossible to secure newspapers and magazines from home, we would like to have “news” in Japanese broadcast as much in detail as possible. Also because of the present situation, in broadcasting the daily news in Spanish and
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Portuguese I think it is very important that discussions of the principal events and problems of the day be added in order to make this country and all South American quarters understand the fairness of our position. Please take steps to see that this is done immediately.
[a] See IV, 617.
Trans. 11‑13‑41
No. 619
FROM: Rio (Ishii) October 30, 1941
TO: Tokyo # 439.
Courier KOSAKA arrived here the 29th. According to the last mail received, he is to return to Japan via the U.S. It is desired that a member of this office accompany him to New York.
Trans. 11‑17‑41
No. 620
FROM: Rio (Ishii) November 12, 1941
TO: Tokyo # 456.
From KOSAKA to the Chief of the Courier Department.
I intend to arrive in Washington on the 4th or 5th of December and will be in San Francisco by the middle of the month. It would be well for MAO, in Mexico, to make connections with me at that time (as far as I am able to tell here, Washington would be the best place). http://LOUIS-J-SHEEHAN-ESQUIRE.US
