(Part 2 of 5.)

2. It goes without saying that Germany's principal objective in this war is the overthrow of Great Britain, and from frequent statements made to me by Chancellor Hitler and Foreign Minister Ribbentrop, it is very clear that there is not the slightest change even now in this basic policy.  http://louis1j1sheehan1esquire.blogspot.com

In order to attack England, Germany will first increase her air attacks and submarine warfare, but with the present high war spirit in Britain, Germany will not be able to bring her to her knees by these means alone, and it is recognized that in the end landing operations will have to be carried out.

I am confident from my frequent conversations with Chancellor Hitler and other German leaders that the Germans have plans developed for decisive action in landing operations, but I imagine because of weather and other conditions involved that the time for this will likely not be before spring. When it comes to the question of their success or failure, the British seem convinced that it will end in failure, but as I told you in my #1177[a], the preparations of the Germans at present have already assumed large proportions, and with the cooperation of all the war industries of Europe more and more will be accomplished. Furthermore, considering the excellence of their supreme command and the quality of their warriors, one cannot but conclude that their chances of success are large. When one considers what the German army accomplished in the Norway operations and in breaking the Maginot line, which were considered by everyone as impossibilities, it is beyond the powers of imagination to know what they might do.

The Germans themselves are calmly awaiting the hour with the greatest of confidence.

3. Before attempting the said landing operations, Germany will complete the operations in the Caucasus and then take the Near East and Egypt. However, Germany looks upon this as a side war, and in view of the inferiority of the British forces in the Near East (Germany considers Britain's claim of 750,000 men in the Near East as a great "bluff" and pays no attention to this), does not deem it necessary to move large forces there. Accordingly, it is still thought that her main forces will be concentrated on the landing operations in England.

Furthermore, as I have stated in frequent messages absolutely no thought is being given to any such thing as coming to terms with Britain, and all, from Hitler down, are determined that unless Britain surrenders unconditionally she must be brought to her knees by force of arms.

[a] Not available.

[A-438]

Trans. 10-15-41

THE "MAGIC" BACKGROUND OF PEARL HARBOR

(Part 3 of 5.)

4. The possibility that, in the event of Germany's conquering England proper, the British royal family, government, and navy will flee to overseas possessions and continue resistance with American cooperation, might be admitted as a theoretical possibility, but both the material and spiritual blow that successful landing operations would be to the British empire and the moral effect this would have upon the world, would be beyond comprehension. Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire

But even leaving that out of the question, there would be no hope of victory, and it is seriously to be questioned if resistance could be continued if the British leaders and the navy fled overseas and left 40,000,000 subjects to die. (You are, of course, aware of the fact that Germany has repeatedly made the statement that she assumes no responsibility for feeding the people of occupied areas.)

Personally, I think there is almost no chance of any such eventuality, (i.e. British withdrawal overseas and continued resistance). Naturally, the question of whether the United States joins in the war, would make some difference in the situation. However, in the first place there is very little possibility that the United States will be in the position of being formally at war with Germany early next spring, and in the second place, if after having put Britain proper down, Germany by means of an economic supremacy taking in Europe, Russia, Northern Africa and the Near East, should go right on with the accomplishment of the plans for a new order in Europe, even the United States would hardly be able to do anything with it.

On the other hand, considering the fact that Germany also would not be able to attack the United States even though the United States should have entered the war, before long a way would be found for a compromise and peace between Germany and America. Even though Germany and the United States should continue in future to be opposed to each other, my judgment would indicate that a state of war between them would hardly be likely to continue a long time.

The British and Americans seem to be placing much hope on disturbances breaking out in the German occupied areas in the event of a long war, but at present this is not being given any concern, and it goes without saying that Germany is not making conditions after the conquest of England a cause for worry.

Trans. 10-15-41

(Part 4 of 5.)

5. In this present war, Germany plans first of all to overthrow the British empire throughout the world, and this is the reason the cooperation of Japan is needed. Depending on the attitude Japan takes, Germany might have to be satisfied with merely driving Britain out of Europe, and having to consider the possibility of concluding peace with her. Also as

[A-439]

between Germany and the United States, even though the advance of the United States into Europe should be restricted, a settlement might be reached along lines that would give the United States a "free hand" in the Far East. In such an event, the power of Britain and the United States could be gotten into one hand, and, needless to say, we would be in a difficult position.

On the other hand, in thinking of the future of our Empire, in order to bring about a speedy settlement of the China incident which has continued these four years, it is absolutely essential for us to make sure of the resources and markets of the south. The Great Objective in the concluding of the Three Power Treaty was really this very thing".

The realization of our objectives, and destiny of the Empire for a thousand years now hangs, as a matter of fact, upon the success of Germany and Italy in Europe.

However, judging from England's policies of late, they expect us to be taken in by British and American propaganda regarding the European war situation, and to continue to get along under the unbearable present economic difficulties.

Thus, even a victory for Germany and Italy in Europe alone would profit the Empire nothing, but would rather be likely to give rise to unfavorable results, as I have stated previously.

[a] Ambassador General Oshima unquestionably speaks with authority in this regard, since he is the man chiefly responsible for bringing Japan into the Axis.

Trans. 10-15-41

(Part 5 of 5.)

6. In view of the above outlook, Japan should, at this time, speedily reinstate the true aims of the Tripartite Pact. In that light, she should establish a definite course with regard to the war in Europe, so as to bring about the materialization of the East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. We should forget all else in the interest of attaining this goal. As one means, we should, as I suggested in my message #1229[a], make use of the confusion at the time of the fall of Moscow to eliminate the threat to us in the north.  http://louis1j1sheehan1esquire.blogspot.com

At the same time, we should make every necessary arrangement to make possible our southward penetration to coincide with the German invasion of England next spring. All obstacles in the way of launching this program when the time comes should be swept away in the meantime. The military of our country should keep the German and Italian commands advised in advance so as to enable them to act in cooperation and so as to enable us to have a guarantee from them that we shall have a free hand in the disposition of the Far Eastern area.

In view of the fact that the matter contained here has an important bearing on the future of our Empire, I have gone to great length to describe it to you. In so doing, I did not give consideration to the fact that I may not be suitably qualified, nor have I avoided repetitions where they seemed appropriate.

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THE "MAGIC" BACKGROUND OF PEARL HARBOR

Please convey the contents to the Army and Navy. I have sent copies of this message to Italy, France and Turkey.

[a] See III, 871.

Trans. 10-15-41

Re my #2120[a].

The popular dissemination of the shortwave wireless news that constitutes the material for the "Bulletin" is prohibited in our country. It is furnished to the diplomatic establishments of other countries with the understanding that it is not to be announced to the outside, hence the editing and publishing of such news for the purposes of distribution clearly constitutes an abuse of this special privilege. In view of the necessity of counteracting the anti-Axis propaganda of Britain and Russia which has conspicuously stiffened since the outbreak of the Russo-German war, the above method is recognized as being indispensable, and hence we cannot approve of even Italy and Germany using the bulletins for popular distribution. Instead this is intended for the use of the Intelligence Section of the Foreign Office. Again, the Vice Minister explained to Ambassador Ott how a strengthening of the cooperation between Axis reporters and Domei reporters would result in realizing a more advantageous position for even the German embassy in the future. And at the same time he arranged for an interview between Ambassador Ott and Ito, the head of the intelligence bureau. On the 10th, they met and discussed the holding of future informal meetings. They decided to suppress the publication of all pamphlets other than the bulletin and in regard to the exhibition of propaganda films those of Britain were ruled out, and feeling that more from Germany and Italy would be desirable they set the machinery in motion to get permission in our country for the publication and exhibition of such propaganda films.

[a] Not available.

Trans. 10-15-41

The Trans Ocean from Tokyo on the 8th carried an editorial by Domei to the effect that Germany should stop the war with Russia and concentrate all her energies on the attack on England for a long war would be disadvantageous to the Axis countries, which are not in a position to sustain it, but would result to the advantage of countries like England and America, which are in a position to sustain it. Again, on the same day the Moscow foreign broadcast presented a Domei dispatch from Ankara, stating that Hungary had lost 40% of her total army in the present Soviet campaign.

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For the above I was cautioned by the German Foreign Office.

The above Domei editorials on the 8th were used by Boston and other foreign broadcast stations in their propaganda work directed at Japan, Germany, and Italy. As I have already explained in my #1118[a], Domei is regarded not only in Germany but in all European countries, as reflecting the opinions of government circles. Hence, such editorials as the above, besides serving to arouse the displeasure of the Axis powers are of no value whatever.

Please make strict representations to the head office that in the future such reports and editorials, etc., must be absolutely eliminated. I have already wired you twice in regard to the publishing of editorials, etc.

[a] Not available.

Trans. 10-16-41

Ankara-Tokyo #20. Relaying #203 from Turkey to Tokyo.

#203.

Today the 9th, the commercial treaty between Germany and Turkey was signed, said treaty to be effective for one year and a half, i.e., until March 31, 1943. The total amount of exports and imports to be 200,000,000 marks each, (100,000,000 lira). Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire   Germany is to supply manufactured goods of all types including military equipment and Turkey is to supply agricultural products and ores. The above figure comprises about 40 or 50% of Turkey's total exports.

In regard to the controversial problem of chrome ore this year's and next year's output which had been contracted for by France, was handed over to Germany subject to France's approval and the total output after April 1, 1943, will go to Germany.

Great Britain is greatly concerned over the Turko-German understanding of the 8th of my #220[a] followed by the agreement signed today.

Relay to Berlin.

[a] Not available.

Trans. 10-16-41

(To be sent in official code.)

(Part 1 of 4.)

Three Power Pact between Japan, Germany and Italy.

The Governments of Japan, Germany and Italy, considering it as the condition precedent of any lasting peace that all nations of the world be given each its own proper place, have

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THE "MAGIC" BACKGROUND OF PEARL HARBOR

decided to stand by and cooperate with one another in regard to their efforts in Greater East Asia and to regions of Europe respectively wherein it is their prime purpose to establish and maintain a new order of things calculated to promote mutual prosperity and welfare of the peoples concerned.

Furthermore, it is the desire of the three Governments to extend cooperation to such nations in other spheres of the world as may be included to put forth endeavors along lines similar to their own, in order that their intimate aspirations for world peace may thus be realized. Accordingly the Governments of Japan, Germany and Italy have agreed as follows:

(Part 2 of 4.)

Article I

Japan recognizes and respects the leadership of Germany and Italy in the establishment of a new order in Europe.

Article II

Germany and Italy recognize and respect the leadership of Japan in the establishment of a new order in Greater East Asia.

Article III

Japan, Germany and Italy agree to cooperate in their efforts on the aforesaid lines. They further undertake to assist one another with all political, economic and military means when one of the three contracting parties is attacked by a power at present not involved in the European War or in the Sino-Japanese conflict.

(Part 3 of 4.)

Article IV

With a view to implementing the present Pact, Joint Technical Commissions the members of which are to be appointed by the respective Governments of Japan, Germany and Italy will meet without delay.

Article V

Japan, Germany and Italy affirm that the aforesaid terms do not in any way affect the political status which exists at present as between each of the three contracting parties and Soviet Russia.

Article VI

The present pact shall come into effect immediately upon signature and shall remain in force for ten years from the date of its coming into force.

(Part 4 of 4.)

At proper time before the expiration of the said term the high contracting parties shall, at the request of any one of them, enter into negotiations for its removal.

In faith whereof, the undersigned, duly authorized by their respective Governments, have signed this Pact and have affixed thereto their Seals.

Done in triplicate at______________, the__________________ day of the_______________month of the_______________ year of Showa, corresponding to the__________

[a] Note date.

Trans. 10-28-40

[A-443]

On this the occasion of the first anniversary of the Tripartite Pact, Foreign Minister Ribbentrop has come to Berlin from the Imperial Headquarters especially and I have had several visits with him. Using this opportunity, I, and the other members of the staff, have mingled with people from all classes of society and visited with them. I am endeavoring to sum up all these experiences and analyze the present state of feeling toward Japan held by Germany in this respect to you.

1. Ribbentrop said that he had absolute proof that, while reports of the content of the Japanese-American negotiations were withheld from Ambassador Ott, America was in secret communication with England in regard to the Japanese-American negotiations. Even Ribbentrop, who is supposed to understand Japan's position, expressed great dissatisfaction regarding Japan's attitude.

2. That the Foreign Office staff from Weizsacker down and also everyone in general were thoroughly disgusted with Japan was very apparent from their attitude toward myself and other members of the staff. Everyone who feels kindly disposed toward Japan is deeply concerned over this state of affairs. Even those who do not come to the same conclusion that Ambassador Ott did in his telegram are outspoken in their dissatisfaction and expression of pessimistic views. I am trying to take the position in interviews with newspaper correspondents and others concerned with the outside that Germany is cognizant of the Japanese- American negotiations and that they are no indication of an alienation between Japan and Germany.

3. Foreign diplomats and newspaper correspondents of third countries show great interest in the Japanese attitude and seem to consider it in a certain sense as a barometer by which the course of the European war can be judged. However, we receive the impression that the greater number feel that Japan is avoiding war because of the impoverishment resulting from the China incident and is taking a pessimistic attitude toward the course of the European war.

4. Even though it might be said that Germany is prepared for these machinations of estrangement by third countries and that she is keeping up the pretense that there is no change her feelings toward Japan, the fact that the feeling of German leaders and the people in general toward Japan is getting bad is one that cannot be covered. http://louis1j1sheehan1esquire.blogspot.com Please bear this fact in mind.  Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire  If Japan takes a wishy-washy attitude and goes ahead with her negotiations without consulting Germany, there is no telling what steps Germany may take without consulting Japan.

Please convey this to the army and navy. Relayed to Rome.

Trans. 10-18-41