No. 567
Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
FROM: Berlin (Japanese Ambassador) May 22, 1941
TO: Tokyo # 585.
http://LOUIS-J-SHEEHAN.ORG
(Part 1 of 3.)
The following is information given on the 21st to a member of this office by a reliable German; however, inasmuch as it contains not a few points having to do with future plans of Germany, please handle the information with precaution. Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
1. The German landing of troops on the island of Crete has not yet been made public since it is the custom of the German Government not to publish anything until a certain degree of success has been achieved. Nevertheless, the strategy is being carried out as planned. Although the British forces are at present putting up a stiff resistance, German victory is expected to be announced in two or three days.
2. Although outwardly Turkey gives a different impression, she is in fact getting closer and closer to the Axis. Shipments of arms and ammunition to Iraq have already been carried out through Turkish territory and troops are being sent by air by way of Syria. The air forces dispatched to Syria are of considerable strength. These forces are being used not only for the purpose of giving assistance to Iraq but with the control of the entire Near East in view. It is
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THE “MAGIC” BACKGROUND OF PEARL HARBOR
also with a view of making them instrumental in prosecution in the future of a political policy toward India.
3. Since the conclusion of the agreement between Germany and France, both the German and Italian expeditionary forces to Africa are to land at Tunis. Because of this understanding, dispatching of troops has become considerably easier and an attack on the Suez is expected to be carried out from this point through Egypt.
4. Cooperation between Germany and France is being furthered by negotiations being carried on in Paris between ABETZ [a] and DARLAN, on the basis of the conference previously held between HITLER and DARLAN. Discussions have already been completed in regard to freeing of war prisoners, alleviation of French responsibilities in the occupied territories, and the lessening of distinction between the occupied and unoccupied territories. It is expected that in the future questions will be dealt with in such a manner as they would be more favorable to the French. On the agenda have been placed such questions as the return of the Vichy Government to Paris (date indefinite) and supplying food to France (in case France is completely blockaded by Britain and the United States.)
[a] German Ambassador to Vichy.
Trans. 6‑12‑41
No. 568
FROM: Rome June 6, 1941
TO: Moscow # 356.
(Part 1 of 2.) [a]
Strictly secret.
On the 6th, I called on CIANO and congratulated him on the conquest of Crete, after which our conversation ran as follows:
1. I: “If you launch a real offensive on a major scale, I certainly do not believe it would be very difficult to defeat the British Isles. At least, theoretically speaking, the combined navies of Germany and Italy ought to make possible a successful land invasion. Judging from events so far, it looks at least this should be possible. What do you think about it?”
CIANO: “To be sure, theoretically it is as you say perhaps, but when it comes to facts, it is not quite as simple as you seem to think. Judging from the fleet protecting the British Isles, her Island defenses and her air arm, such as invasion would not be so easy.”
2. I: “The fall of Crete must certainly have made a deep impression on the various people in the Near East. I do not think that any time ought to be lost in continuing the fight on to Alexandria and Suez. Do you not think that this is an excellent opportunity?”
CIANO: “It is as you say, and we are now gradually preparing to do that; still, when it begins to get hot, I fear that we are going to find it tough going in the torrid zones of the south.”
[a] See II, 563 for Part 2.
Trans. 6‑7‑41
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No. 569
FROM: Vichy (Harada) May 10, 1941
TO: Washington No number.
Message to Tokyo # 230.
For your reference the following is given of the conversations held with the German officials on the 9th:
1. DARLAN went to Paris twice on the 9th. This is in connection with the negotiations which are going on at this time regarding the economical collaboration. The French‑German political relations have become much smoother.
2. The Germans have been sufficiently satisfied with the progress of the negotiations regarding closer economic collaboration. The question of the manufacture of military trucks has been satisfactorily compromised.
3. It is believed that the Germans do not have any definite demands in regard to the improvement of traffic between occupied and unoccupied territories or regarding the amount of the reduction in the payment by France to Germany. It is not known but what the strict neutrality of French North Africa has been requested in respect to the development of war conditions concerning Gibraltar.
4. The Germans would receive no benefit from the worsening of Iran’s position, who is -‑‑‑‑, the French Navy. It is thought that in respect to the two points of German negotiations with DARLAN and at the same time the ‑‑‑‑‑ in connection with LAVAL, are progressing.
5. With the closer economic collaboration between Germany and France, the position of the United States has been worsened. In spite of his belonging to the naval fleet, LEAHY’s smooth relations with DARLAN have been limited. It is seen here at this time that this Ambassador has been unable to carry out his mission.
Relayed to Berlin, Rome, London, Washington, and Moscow.
Trans. 5‑17‑41
No. 570
FROM: Vichy (Kato) May 14, 1941
TO: Tokyo # 256.
Re: My # 255 [a].
According to a member of the German Foreign Office Staff in Vichy on the 14th, the meeting of Vice Premier Darlan and Chancellor HITLER will be the basis for the German‑French collaboration not only in a political sense but also will include military cooperation; for example, the transport of troop supplies across Syria and the offering of sea and air bases in the French colonies in North Africa, as well as the preservation of the French Empire and its colonies, together with the use of the French Navy, are the main points on this collaboration. According to this same official, he believes that the Vichy Government will agree to this at this time.
[a] Agreement that Germany will guarantee the territorial integrity of France with the exception of Alsace Loraine in exchange for French cooperation in establishing a new order in Europe.
Trans. 5‑21‑41
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No. 569
FROM: Vichy (Harada) May 10, 1941
TO: Washington No number.
Message to Tokyo # 230.
For your reference the following is given of the conversations held with the German officials on the 9th:
1. DARLAN went to Paris twice on the 9th. This is in connection with the negotiations which are going on at this time regarding the economical collaboration. The French‑German political relations have become much smoother.
2. The Germans have been sufficiently satisfied with the progress of the negotiations regarding closer economic collaboration. The question of the manufacture of military trucks has been satisfactorily compromised.
3. It is believed that the Germans do not have any definite demands in regard to the improvement of traffic between occupied and unoccupied territories or regarding the amount of the reduction in the payment by France to Germany. It is not known but what the strict neutrality of French North Africa has been requested in respect to the development of war conditions concerning Gibraltar.
4. The Germans would receive no benefit from the worsening of Iran’s position, who is -‑‑‑‑, the French Navy. It is thought that in respect to the two points of German negotiations with DARLAN and at the same time the ‑‑‑‑‑ in connection with LAVAL, are progressing.
5. With the closer economic collaboration between Germany and France, the position of the United States has been worsened. In spite of his belonging to the naval fleet, LEAHY’s smooth relations with DARLAN have been limited. It is seen here at this time that this Ambassador has been unable to carry out his mission.
Relayed to Berlin, Rome, London, Washington, and Moscow.
Trans. 5‑17‑41
No. 570
FROM: Vichy (Kato) May 14, 1941
TO: Tokyo # 256.
Re: My # 255 [a].
According to a member of the German Foreign Office Staff in Vichy on the 14th, the meeting of Vice Premier Darlan and Chancellor HITLER will be the basis for the German‑French collaboration not only in a political sense but also will include military cooperation; for example, the transport of troop supplies across Syria and the offering of sea and air bases in the French colonies in North Africa, as well as the preservation of the French Empire and its colonies, together with the use of the French Navy, are the main points on this collaboration. According to this same official, he believes that the Vichy Government will agree to this at this time.
[a] Agreement that Germany will guarantee the territorial integrity of France with the exception of Alsace Loraine in exchange for French cooperation in establishing a new order in Europe.
Trans. 5‑21‑41
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THE “MAGIC” BACKGROUND OF PEARL HARBOR
No. 571
FROM: Vichy (Kato) May 20, 1941
TO: Washington No number.
Message to Tokyo as # 264.
Re my # 250 [a].
Since then French Government sources have avoided committing themselves concerning definite terms for further collaboration with Germany. However, my caption message is quite well backed up by the course of events. BASSE confidentially told me that Germany is supporting Italy’s penetration into the Balkans but is denying Rome’s demands on Nice, Corsica, and Savoy. On her side, France has quickly obtained the release of 100,000 prisoners (published on the 19th). Furthermore, it would appear that through negotiations Germany is about to reduce the maintenance cost for her army of occupation still further to 240,000,000 francs per day.
The details of the present negotiations have not yet been published but the communiqué of the 23rd and PETAIN’s radio address of the 15th were designed to sway public favor further toward Germany and In the end the populace will inevitably follow their leaders. DARLAN returned to Paris on the 19th and it appears that his negotiations with the Germans will in all probability go along nicely.
In connection with these negotiations, the United States has taken certain unfavorable steps. ROOSEVELT has made a speech and the American officials have held up French ships. Therefore, casting aside his wonted politeness toward the United States, PETAIN pointed out to Ambassador LEAHY that the assistance afforded France by the United States is not enough. Furthermore, the newspapers are more and more reflecting dissentiment. (sic)
Relayed to Berlin, Rome, London, Washington, Moscow and Ankara.
[a] See II, 569 in which Vichy reports to Tokyo negotiations being carried on between DARLAN and German authorities regarding economic collaboration.
Trans. 5-23-41
No. 572
http://LOUIS-J-SHEEHAN.ORG
FROM: Rome June 7, 1941
TO: Tokyo # 363.
According to information received on the 7th, there is a possibility of the Vichy government concluding a peace treaty with Germany and Italy. This question is said to have been discussed at the recent meeting of Hitler and Mussolini. In conjunction with the above treaty, the questions of Croatia and Nice are expected to be settled.
France is said to be agreeable to joining the Tripartite Pact in order to take part in the establishment of a new order in Europe, and this point also was said to have been discussed by Hitler and Mussolini.
The fact that France is leaning more and more towards the Axis might be a point to bear in mind in connection with Japanese-French Indo China economic agreement.
Trans. 6-9-41
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No. 573
FROM: London (Japanese Ambassador) June 10, 1941
TO: Washington http://LOUIS-J-SHEEHAN.ORG # 67.
Message to Tokyo # 417, June 6, 1941.http://LOUIS-J-SHEEHAN.ORG
Part 2 of 2 [a].
3. I said, “Well, the British Government is treating France as though she were an enemy. Only yesteryear she was an ally. Is this not strange and sad? I read in the newspapers reports that German influence is filtering into not only Syria, but also Morocco and Dakar, and the French fleet is still afloat. Will not this have a serious effect upon Great Britain’s prosecution of the war?” The Foreign Minister replied, “The attitude that Vichy is taking is proving a source of consternation to both London and Washington, but still we are endeavoring to the last to keep France out of the category of our enemies. It cannot yet be said correctly that the attitude of Vichy is deliberately and flagrantly hostile, only we are watching the movements of its fleet and what takes place in its colonies, trying always to prevent the worse coming to the worst, but still if and when the time comes, we are ready to shoot. When France fell last year, I made a number of trips there with Prime Minister CHURCHILL. LAVAL, DARLAN and, of course, MARSHALL PETAIN have wished most ardently that we British would take the same attitude as Vichy and bring a speedy conclusion to this war. But, we British are determined independently to prosecute it to the end. This angers them to the extreme. Then, too, the question of traditional Anglo-French feelings is a painful one. To tell the truth, the biggest half of the French populace are not with Vichy in spirit.
[a] Part 1 not available.
Trans. 6-12-41
No. 574
FROM: Vichy (Kato) June 10, 1941
TO: Washington No number.
Message to Tokyo # 296.
On the 10th, I called on the Minister of War, General HUNTZIGER. General HUNTZIGER told me the following: “The British troops invading Syria consist of at least three divisions which are made up of British, Australian, and Indian troops. They have approximately 300 tanks and their air force is exceptionally strong. In view of the fact that the French demobilized some time ago, our forces, including native troops, are inferior to the British armed forces on a ratio of two to one. Having practically no tanks, defensive warfare for us will be very difficult and we maintain great fears in the situation. However, our air force in comparison with the British air arm is on a par, if not superior to theirs. Up to today the British have lost 5 planes while we have lost 2. At the present time, the advanced forces of the French Army are maintaining contact with the British attacking units. Though doubtless they will make successive retreats, we believe that we can hold up the British advance in this defensive area. However, the outcome of the war cannot be foretold, especially in view of the fact that one portion of French troops must be maintained close to the Turkish border, in addition to which, though it is most regrettable, we must maintain a considerable force in the rear to preserve peace and order.
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“Furthermore, there are approximately 1,000 Frenchmen in the DeGaullist detachments and approximately 2,000 negroid Abyssinian recruits with the British Army. Though there may possibly be other motivating factors in the British mind behind the current incident, it would seem that the DeGaullist faction figured the invasion would be very easy. However, the Arabian native population, being given to discord and lacking in restraint, will be very difficult to control should the war spread because looting and internal strife will develop among them. The British forces will burn their hands on this situation.”
Relayed to London, Washington, Rome and Moscow.
Trans. 6-14-41
No. 575
FROM: Ankara July 12, 1941
TO: Tokyo # 137.
The situation in Syria. 1. In spite of the fact that the French Government is doing its very utmost in order to render all assistance to Syria, negotiations with Turkey for the transport of arms has come to naught. Not only is transportation by sea subject to attack by British armed forces, but according to a local French attaché, their shortage of ammunition is creating a tremendous problem. This makes the waging of this war practically impossible. Though it be said that from considerations of honor and their relations with the DE GAULLISTS they have already rejected the British proposals, the French realize that the fate of Syria is sealed. Regardless of whatever path they follow, Syria will come under the sway of British occupying forces.
2. Turkey, since the British Army invaded Syria, has strengthened her border troops. At the present time, it seems that she has more than five divisions there. This indicates nothing more or less than that she is prepared for all eventualities. The Turkish authorities, of course, have no intention of abandoning their position to avoid war at all costs.
Trans. 7-17-41
No. 576
FROM: Ankara (Kurihara) June 4, 1941
TO: Moscow # 100.
(Part 1 of 2.)
June 4th: The local Iraqi ministerial authorities told me: “1. Prior to the outbreak of the recent incident, Iraqi troops were stationed in Bagdad, Jibunie [a], and in the Kirkuk-Mosul [b] area. Bagdad, having fallen into the hands of the pro- British wing, and the Jibunie division’s strength dependent upon its geographical location, is limited to nothing more than guerrilla warfare; consequently, henceforth Iraqi —– —– —– depends entirely upon the Kirkuk-Mosul troops under the leadership of General MASUKUTUDO [a]. But two days ago when this General was questioned in regard to his views by the German military representative in Mosul, no answer was forthcoming and it seems that his attitude was not clarified.”
[a] Kana spelling.
[b] Town in Iraq.
Trans. 6-13-41
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No. 577
FROM: Ankara (Kurihara) June 4, 1941
TO: Moscow # 100.
(Part 2 of 2.)
“2. The shortage of gasoline has a major importance in the current incident. The French have purchased gasoline from Turkey which was to have been shipped from Constantinople through Turkey on the Ist to Allepo” but, because of the shortage of railroad cars, it has been delayed for —– days in Constantinople. This is indeed regrettable.
“3. At the present time, 900,000 tons of British and American goods bound for Turkey have accumulated in Basra. [b]
“4. The Premier, the Minister of War and the Minister of the Interior in the new Iraqi cabinet are thoroughly pro-British but, on the other hand, the fact that MURIASAIDO [c], considered to be opportunistic (?), was not put into the Cabinet, has divided the pro-British faction into two camps. The assumption of political power henceforth would seem to be in line with Britain’s policy.”
Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
[a] Town in northern Syria.Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
[b] On the Gulf of Persia, a seaport of Iraq.
[c] Kana spelling.
