10 Dec.
45
Then, skipping two paragraphs, we see Hitler then
encouraging Matsuoka in his decision to strike against the United
States; and I invite your attention to the fourth paragraph on Page 2,
which you have heard several times and which I shall not re-read.
Here in those passages were assurance, encouragement, and abetment by
the head of the German State, the leading Nazi co-conspirator, in April
1941. But the Nazi encouragement and promise of support did not end
there.
I now offer our Document 2898-PS as Exhibit Number USA-163. This is
another telegram from the German Ambassador in Tokyo regarding his
conversation with the Japanese Foreign Minister. It is dated the 30th of
November 1941, exactly 1 week before Pearl Harbor. I will read from the
first four paragraphs on Page 2 of the German text, which is the first
paragraph of the English translation; and this passage, I am sure, has
not been read to the Tribunal. No part of this document has been read.
"The progress of the negotiations so
far confirms his viewpoint that the difference of opinion between
Japan and the U.S. is very great. The Japanese Government, since they
sent Ambassador Kurusu, have taken a firm stand as he told me. He is
convinced that this position is in our favor, and makes the United
States think that her entry into the European war would be risky
business. The new American proposal of 25 November showed great
divergencies in the viewpoints of the two nations. These differences
of opinion concern, for example, the further treatment of the Chinese
question. The biggest" — and then the German text has the
legend "one group missing," indicating that one group of the
secret code was garbled on transmission. It would appear from the text
that the missing words are "difference of opinion" — "The
biggest (one group missing), however, resulted from the United States
attempt to make the three-power agreement ineffective. The United
States suggested to Japan that she conclude treaties of non-aggression
with the United States, the British Empire, the Soviet Union, and
other countries in order to prevent Japan's entry into the war on the
side of the Axis Powers. Japan, however, insisted upon maintaining her
treaty obligations, and for this reason American demands are the
greatest obstacles for adjusting Japanese-American relations. He
avoided discussing concessions promised by the United States and
merely mentioned that grave decisions were at stake. "
The United States is seriously preparing for war and is about to
operate a considerable part of its navy from southern Pacific bases.
The Japanese Government are busy working