1941
January4. French Indochina was granteddominion status. (By decree.Times, Jan. 4. 1941, p. 2.)
January6. President Rooseveltrecommended to Congress lend‑lease for the Allies and enunciated the"Four Freedoms." ("I also ask this Congress for authority andfor funds sufficient to manufacture additional munitions and war supplies ofmany kinds, to be turned over to those nations which are now in actual war withaggressor nations.
"Our most useful andimmediate role is to act as an arsenal for them as well as for ourselves. Theydo not need manpower, but they do need billions of dollars worth of the weaponsof defense.
"The time is near whenthey will not be able to pay for them all in ready cash. We cannot, and we willnot, tell them that they must surrender, merely because of present inability topay for the weapons which we know they must have.
"I do not recommend thatwe make them a loan of dollars with which to pay for these weaponsa loan to berepaid in dollars.
"I recommend that we makeit possible for those nations to continue to obtain war materials in the UnitedStates, fitting their orders into our own program. Nearly all their materielwould, if the time ever came, be useful for our own defense.
"Taking counsel of expertmilitary and naval authorities, considering what is best for our own security,we are free to decide how much should be kept here and how much should be sentabroad to our friends who by their determined and heroic resistance are givingus time in which to make ready our own defense.
"For what we send abroad,we shall be repaid within a reasonable time following the close of hostilities,in similar materials, or, at our option, in other goods of many kinds, whichthey can produce and which we need." (CongressionalRecord[Bound], Vol. 87, Pt. 1, pp. 44‑47.)
The British Minister WithoutPortfolio, Arthur Greenwood, was assigned the task of study of reconstructionand war problems. ("The object will be to find practical solutions for theimmediate problem of a transition from w to peace and also to outline andpresently to amplify a policy for the years immediately following the war whichwill command the support of the nation as a whole and enable unit action toproceed in peace as in war."Times, Jan. 7, 1941, p. 15.)
January10. German‑Russianagreements on barter and border matters signed at Moscow. ("The agreementregulates the trade turnover between the U. S. S. R. and Germany until Aug. 1,
267
268 EVENTSLEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
1942. It provides for an amount of mutual deliveriesconsiderably exceeding the level of the first year of operation of theagreement. . . . settling all problems connected with migration. . . . on theState frontier of the U. S. S. R. and Germany in the sector from the RiverIgorka to the Baltic Sea in connection with the admission of the LithuanianSoviet Socialist Republic into the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics,which took place Aug. 3, 1940."Ibid., Jan. 11, 1941, p. 8. Cf.Aug. 19, Sept. 28, 1939, Feb. 12, June 16, July 21, Aug. 25, 1940,Supra.)
January15. Secretary of State Hulladvocated H. R. 1776 (lend-lease bill) before House Committee on ForeignAffairs. ("The present bill sets up machinery which will enable us to makethe most effective use of our resources for our own needs and for the needs ofthose whom, in our own self‑defense, we are determined thus to aid. Thegreat problem of democracy is to organize and to use its strength withsufficient speed and completeness. The proposed legislation is an essentialmeasure for that purpose. This bill will make it possible for us to allocateour resources in ways best calculated to provide for the security of thisnation and of this continent in the complex and many‑sided conditions ofdanger with which we are, and are likely to be, confronted. Above all, it willenable us to do all these things in the speediest possible manner. And,overwhelmingly, speed is our greatest need today."Bulletin, Vol.V, No., 82, p. 89. Cf.Peace, p. 618.)
January16. Secretary of War Stimsontestified for the lend‑lease bill. ("Instead of being able leisurelyto pick and choose and deliberately to arm ourselves, relying upon the thenexisting stability on the other side of the Atlantic, we are not only compelledto arm ourselves entirely by our own efforts but to do so at the very time whenit is imperative that our American industry and plants should be working at topspeed to furnish vital weapons of defense to Great Britain in order that shemay meet the crisis which is confronting her this spring and summer, and thuspreserve her fleet as a bulwark in the Atlantic Ocean."Times,Jan., 17, 1941, p. 7.)
January17. Secretary of the Navy Knoxtestified for the lend‑lease bill. ("The struggle now going on is,fundamentally, an attempt by Germany to seize control of the sea from GreatBritain. That is the reason why, from a military viewpoint, the war has sovital an interest to the United States.... IfGermany becomes free to move across the ocean for the conquest of newterritories, she most probably will move first into South America, to get holdof that great storehouse of national wealth. If the United States does not wishto face the consequences of the establishment in South America of aggressivemilitary power, we should now prevent Germany from overturning the British seapower which holds the Nazis in Europe.... Weneed time to build ships and to train their crews. We need time to build up ouroutlying bases so that we can operate our fleets as a screen for our continent.... We need time to train our armies, to accumulate warstores, to gear our industry for defense. Only Great Britain
EVENTS LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
and its fleet can give us that time. And they. needour help to survive.
"If we fully organize the mentaland material resources of the American people, we can give Britain that helpand simultaneously can build a strong military defense for ourselves. The costto us in money, effort, and sacrifice will be great‑but that cost will befar greater even in the immediate future should we now stand aside and letBritain fall."Ibid., Jan. 18, 1941, p. 4.)
January19. Chancellor Hitler andPremier Mussolini conferred. (". . . comprehensive exchange of viewsrelative to the situation . . . resulted in complete agreement of mutualopinions on all questions."Ibid., Jan. 21, 1941, p. 1.)
January21. The United States liftedthe "moral embargo" on exports to Russia. ("All of the articlesand materials covered by what has generally been referred to as the `moral embargo'are included in the list of articles and materials now subject to the export‑licensesystem."Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 83, p: 107. Cf. Feb. 19, 1940,supra.)
January24. Marshal Pétain designated aNational Council of 188. (To advise the Chief of State privately on specificmatters.Times, Jan. 25, 1941, p. 6.)
January27. Marshal Pétain decreed allhigh officials should be personally responsible to the Chief of State.("Responsibility is made effective by engaging the man who accepts it tothe extent of his liberty, his property, and his life."Ibid., Jan.28, 1941, p. 10.)
Ambassador Grew telegraphedfrom Tokyo: (paraphrase) "A member of the Embassy was told by my . . .colleague that from many quarters, including a Japanese one, he had heard a surprisemass attack on Pearl Harbor was planned by the Japanese military forces, incase of `trouble' between Japan and the United States; that the attack wouldinvolve the use of all the Japanese military facilities. My colleague said thathe was prompted to pass this on because it had come to him from many, sources,although the plan seemed fantastic."Japan, Vol. II, p. 133.
January30. Chancellor Hitler promiseda historic year for the new European order. ("On land the number of ourdivisions has been mightily increased and their pay increased. War experienceshave been evaluated by men and officers. Work has been done and work continuesunceasingly. Equipment has been improved and our enemies shall see how it wasimproved.
"On the seas the U‑boatwar will begin in the spring, and they will see that there, too, we have notslept. And the Air Force will also put in an appearance, and all the armedforces together will force a decision one way or another. Our production in allfields has been greatly increased. What others plan is reality to us. TheGerman people stands behind its leaders, believing in their armed forces andready to endure what destiny demands of it."Times, Jan. 31, 1941,p. 2.)
270 EVENTSLEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
January31. French Indochinese‑Thaiarmistice signed at Saigon. (Japanese mediation.Ibid., Jan. 31, 1941,p. 8.)
Under Secretary Summer Welles recommended lend‑lease.(". . . in my judgment, the course which is least fraught with danger, andwhich is most likely to make it possible for the American people to stay out ofwar, is for this country to increase its production of armaments to such anextent as to make it possible for us to make available to Great Britain on anever‑increasing scale the armaments which she requires in ordersuccessfully to continue her war of self‑defense."Bulletin,Vol. IV, No. 84, p. 127.)
The Regional Conference of theRiver Plate approved a draft convention suspending most‑favored‑nationtreatment for products among Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay(". . . conceding preferential treatment to the products of Bolivia andParaguay, providing at the same time that special concessions granted forBolivian and Paraguayan products shall not be extended to the signatory countriesor to third parties . . ."Times, Feb. 1, 1941; . p. 18) and aresolution recommending study of a customs union. ("'Whereas, Theinterests of the countries participating in the Regional Conference of theRiver Plate can be conciliated in a manner that will benefit them all within aneconomic and commercial organization; and
"Whereas, It isindispensable to have access to permanent, markets of great consuming, capacityin order that the development of agrarian and manufacturing industries may reston stable bases that permit production on a large scale under favorableeconomic conditions; and
"Whereas a permanentmarket of great consuming capacity can be easily achieved by combining themarkets of countries participating in this conference, . . ."Ibid.,p. 18.)
February6. The Conference of the RiverPlate set up permanent regional headquarters in Buenos Aires. (To directregional economic relations.Ibid., Feb. 7, 1941, p. 4.)
February10. Britain severed diplomaticrelations with Rumania. (". . . the essential development is that theGerman High Command is building up in Rumania all the elements of an expeditionaryforce and has concentrated at various points large, supplies of munitions andoil fuel.
"Rumanian territory isthus being used by Germany as a military base in furtherance of her plans forprosecuting the war. These measures are being taken without a word of dissentfrom the Rumanian Government."Ibid., Feb. 11, 1941, p. 4. Cf. Oct.8, Nov. 23, 1940,supra.)
February12. Italy asked that United Statesconsulates at Palermo and Naples be moved to Rome. (To a place not on seacoast.Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 89, p. 249. Cf. Jan. 19.supra.)
General Franco and PremierMussolini conferred. (". . . on all problems interesting the two governmentsat the present historic moment."Times, Feb. 13, 1941, p. 1.)
EVENTS LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
February 13.King Alfonso XIII of Spain renounced his throne in favor of his son Juan.(". . . it would be to deny reality if I did not take into account thefact that Spanish opinionthat of those who have struggled and who havetriumphedis anxious for the constitution of a new Spain which is tied closelyand fecundly with the spirit of the glorious past and with the eagerness toendow our people with the necessary capacity to realize their transcendingmission in the future....
"Not by my will, but dueto the inexorable law of circumstances, perhaps my person would be an obstacleamong those with whom I have lived and who followed, surely and with goodfaith, a different road.
"To some I would appear asa return to a policy that did not know how to avert, or could not avert, ourtragedy and the causes which provoked it.
"For others I would be amotive of remorse and embarrassment.
"My duty is to removethese possible obstacles...."Ibid.,Feb. 14, 1941, p. 6.)
General Franco met MarshalPétain. (To discuss matters relating to the prosecution of the war.Ibid.,p. 1.)
February 14.Chancellor Hitler conferred with Yugoslavs. (Demanded they adhere to Axis pact,permit transit of troops and munitions, grant economic cooperation andpassivity to German occupation of Bulgaria.Ibid., Feb. 15, 1941, p. 2.". . . concerning questions of mutual interest . . ."Ibid.,p. 1.)
February 16.Britain mined Singapore waters. (To strengthen defenses there because ofconcern over Far Eastern situation.Ibid., Feb. 17, 1941, p. 1.)
February 17.Turkish‑Bulgarian nonaggression pact signed. (". . . having reachedhappy results after exchanges of views several times in the past, herewithdetermine the meaning of their respective foreign policies affecting theirmutual interests and aims and thus safeguard the unspoiled confidence andfriendship existing between the two neighboring countries;
"To give proof of theirpact of friendship which provides that there shall be inviolate peace andsincere and eternal friendship between the Turkish Republic and the Kingdom ofBulgaria;
"Desiring to continuetheir policy of confidence toward each other, which policy assures the securityof peace and quiet in the Balkans in a most difficult moment through mutualconsideration for their security; . . ."Ibid., Feb. 18, 1941, p.4.)
February 25.Foreign Minister Matsuoka said the white race must cede Oceania to theAsiatics. ("This region has sufficient natural resources to support from600,000,000 to 800,000,000 people. I believe we have a natural right to migratethere."Ibid., p. 1.)
March 1.Bulgaria adhered to Axis pact. ("Upon invitation of the Germangovernment." . . .Ibid., Mar. 2, 1941, p. 38. Cf. Feb. 14,supra.)
272 EVENTSLEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
March 4.The United States froze Bulgarian assets. (Cf. Mar. 1,.supra.Bulletin,Vol. IV, No. 89, p. 251.)
March 6.Britain severed diplomatic relations with Bulgaria. ("From, the nature ofthe German military movements in Bulgaria it is clear that the German aim isto menace and, if necessary, attack Great Britain's ally, Greece.
"By their agreement withthe German Government the Bulgarian Government have facilitated therealization of this German aim and, apart from other measures which they havetaken, they have gone so far as to proceed in connection with it to a largemeasure of mobilization. His Majesty's Government can only conclude from thisthat the Bulgarian Government, so far from only desiring to maintain neutralityin the present conflict, are now prepared actively to collaborate withGermany."Times,, Mar. 6, 1941, p. 2.)
The United States asked closingof Italian consulates at Newark, N. J., and Detroit, Mich., and information asto movements of military, and naval personnel. (Cf. Feb. 12,supra.Bulletin,Vol. IV, No. 89, p. 249.)
March 8.Japanese Ambassador, Admiral Kichisaburo Nomura disparaged the view that Japanwas intent on military conquest unless compelled by the policy of increasingembargoes of the United States.
("The Ambassador sought toplay down the view that such military conquest was really in the mind of hisGovernment and he then said that embargoes by this country were of increasingconcern, and that he did not believe there would be any further militarymovements unless the policy of increasing embargoes by this country shouldforce his Government, in the minds of those in control, to take furthermilitary action. To this I replied that. this is a matter entirely in the handsof his Government for the reason that his Government took the initiative inmilitary expansion and seizures of territory of other countries, and therebycreating an increasingly deep concern on the part of my own and other countriesas to the full extent of Japanese conquest by force which was contemplated;that any country, has not been at fault and none of the nations engaged inconquest have, pretended seriously to charge it with any action of omission orcommission in relation to the present movement of world conquest by force onthe part of some three nations, including Japan . . . I proceeded to comment onJapan's line of activities and utterances by saying that his country and mostother countries only proclaim and practice policies of peaceful internationalrelationships, political, economic, social, and cultural."Peace,pp. 623, 626.)
March 9.Britain rejected plan to feed the small democracies. ("Nothing has sinceoccurred to alter the view of His Majesty's Government that it is theresponsibility of the German Government to see to the material welfare of thecountries they have overrun, nor to weaken their conviction that no form ofrelief can be devised which would not directly or indirectly assist the enemy'swar effort."Times, Mar. 10, 1941, p. 6.)
EVENTS LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
March 11.Lend‑Lease Act approved by President Roosevelt to extend lend‑leaseaid to countries whose defense is vital to that of the United States. (55Stat., Pt. I, p. 31.)
Thailand and Indochina signedpeace treaty. (Because of Japanese mediation.Times, Mar. 12, 1941, p.10.)
March, 12.Thailand and Russia exchanged notes establishing diplomatic relations.(Forerunner to commercial relations.Ibid., Mar. 13, 1941, p. 6.)
March 13.The United States froze Hungarian assets. (Ibid., Mar. 14, 1941, p. 6.)
Germany, demanded Yugoslaviajoin the Axis. (Wanted access to Greece.Ibid., p. 1. Cf. Feb. 14,supra.)
March 15.President Roosevelt promised increasing aid to Allies for a total victory.("The light of democracy must be kept burning. To the perpetuation ofthis light, each must do his own share. The single effort of one individual mayseem very small. But there are 130 million individuals over here. There aremany more millions in Britain and elsewhere bravely shielding the great flameof democracy from the black‑out of barbarism. It is not enough for usmerely to trim the wick or polish the glass. The time has come when we mustprovide the fuel in ever increasing amounts to keep the flame alight."Bulletin,Vol. IV, No. 90, p. 279. Cf.Peace, pp. 634 f. Cf. Jan. 6, 15, 16, 17,25, 31,supra.)
March 16.Chancellor Hitler again predicted British defeat. ("The world is not herefor a few people, and an order based eternally on the distinction between thehaves and the have‑nots does not exist any more because the have‑notshave determined to lay claims to their portion of God's earth."Times,Mar. 17, 1941, p. 4.)
March 19.Great Lakes‑St. Lawrence agreement signed. (". . . for thecooperative development and utilization of the water in the Great Lakes‑St.Lawrence River Basin for navigation and power....the construction of this project is regarded as directly associated with boththe power‑supply and ship‑building phases of our national defenseprogram, including the plan for defense of the Western Hemisphere and thedetermination to supply all possible aid to Great Britain, the members of theBritish Commonwealth, and their allies."Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 91,p. 304. Cf. Aug. 18, 1940,supra.)
March 20.Under Secretary Welles confirmed report of impending German attack on Russia tothe Soviet Ambassador, Constantine A. Oumansky. (He "had additionalinformation."Peace, p. 638.)
March 21.Three Yugoslav Cabinet officials resigned. (Because of German demands.Times,Mar. 22, 1941, p. 1. Cf. Mar. 13,supra.)
274 EVENTSLEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
March 24.Turkey and Russia issued communiqué promising each other to be neutral ifeither should be attacked by a third party. (". . . because statementshave been published in parts of the foreign press to the effect that Russiamight take advantage of difficulties in which Turkey might find herself in caseof her being obliged to enter the war, and might attack Turkey."Times,Mar. 25, 1941, p, 5.)
March 25.Yugoslavia adhered to Axis pact. (". . . in the agreement between the Axispowers and the Royal Yugoslav Government the Axis power governments during thiswar will not direct a demand to Yugoslavia to permit the march ortransportation of troops through the Yugoslav State or territory."Ibid.,Mar. 26, 1941, p. 3.
"On this day on whichYugoslavia joins the tripartite pact she is doing so with the intention ofassuring her peaceful future in cooperation with Germany, Italy, and Japan.Insofar as she is contributing her part to the organization of the new Europe,she is fulfilling the highest duty as much to herself as to the Europeancommunity."Ibid., p. 1. Cf. Mar. 13,supra.).
March 27.British‑American naval‑air base agreement signed. ("Whereasthe Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, inconsultation with the Government of Newfoundland, are desirous at this time offurther effectuating the declarations made on their behalf by His Excellencythe Most Honourable the Marquess of Lothian, C. H., His Majesty's AmbassadorExtraordinary and Plenipotentiary, in his communication of the 2d September1940, to the Secretary of State of the United States of America, a copy ofwhich is set out in Annex I hereto and made a part hereof;
"And whereas it is agreedthat leases in respect of the naval and air bases to be leased to the UnitedStates of America in Newfoundland, Bermuda, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua,Trinidad, and British Guiana, respectively; shall forthwith be executedsubstantially in the forms of the leases set out in Annex ,II hereto, which arehereby approved, and that a similar lease in respect of a base in the Bahamasshall be executed as soon as possible;
"And whereas it is desiredto determine by common agreement certain matters relating to the lease of thesaid bases as provided in the communication of the 2d September 1940, and thereply thereto of the same date from the Honourable Cordell Hull, Secretary ofState of the United States, set out in Annex I and made a part hereof;
"And whereas it is desiredthat this agreement shall be fulfilled in a spirit of good neighbourlinessbetween the Government of the United States of America and the Government ofthe United Kingdom, and that details of its practical application shall bearranged by friendly cooperation; . . ." Cf. Aug. 20, Sept. 2, 1940,supra.(65 Stat., Pt. 2, p. 1560.)
Anti-Nazi coup d'état inYugoslavia, (King Peter II assumed power with aid of General Dusan Simovitch."In these serious days the people of Yugoslavia felt concern at the mannerin which public affairs were being handled. This lack of confidence in thestate of affairs created during the last few days was manifested
EVENTS LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
with such vigor that public order was endangered. Thepresent changes came about under the pressure of this public anxiety. There areno other reasons for the change since the accession to power of King Peter IIwho at once formed a Government of national union representing the views of theSerb, Croat, and Slovene peoples."Ibid., p. 349, Cf. footnote,ibid.Cf. Mar. 25,supra.)
The United States appropriated$7,000,000,000 for lend‑lease. (Public, No. 23, 77th Cong., 55 Stat., Pt.I p. 53.)
Prime Minister Churchillpromised British help to the new Yugoslav Government (". . . to defend thefreedom and integrity of their country."Times, Mar. 28, 1941, p.8) and said "the defeat of Hitler and of Hitlerism is a sufficient war aimand will open the door to every worthy peace aim." ("Everyone knowswhat we are fighting about, but if you try to set forth in a catalogue whatwill be the exact settlement of affairs in a period which is unforeseeable, youwill find that the moment you leave the area of pious platitude you willdescend into the arena of heated controversy, and that would militate againstefforts which we are making, and we could not, in justice to our country, takesuch a step."Ibid., p. 8.)
April 3.Yugoslavia ordered final mobilization. (Because of failure of Italian peacemove and departure of German and Italian legations.Ibid., April 4,1941, p. 1. Cf. Mar. 27,supra.)
April 3‑4.The United States rejected German and Italian protests over the takingpossession of the steamshipsPaulineFriedrich andArauca. (". . . the plain provisions of ourstatutes . . . made it a felony for the master or any other person in charge orcommand of a vessel, foreign or domestic, or for any member of the crew orother person, within the territorial waters of the United States, willfully tocause or permit the destruction or injury of such a vessel or to tamper withits motive power or instrumentalities of navigation; and . . . authorize theauthorities of this Government to take possession and control of any vesseland to remove therefrom the officers and crew when such action is deemed to benecessary to protect the vessel from damage or injury or to prevent damage orinjury to any harbor or waters of the United States."'Bulletin,Vol. IV, No. 93, p. 419.)
April 4.Pro‑Nazi military coup d'état in Iraq. (Said to have been provoked bycontinuous interventionTimes, Apr. 5, 1941, p. 2.)
The United States askedwithdrawal of Italian naval attaché ("I have the honor to state thatvarious facts and circumstances have come to the attention of the Government.of the United States connecting Admiral Alberto Lais, Naval Attaché of the RoyalItalian Embassy, with the commission by certain persons of acts in violation ofthe laws of the United States.
"The President has reachedthe conclusion that the continued presence of Admiral Lais as Naval Attach ofthe Embassy would no longer be agreeable to this Government."Bulletin,Vol. IV, No. 93, pp. 420 f.)
276 EVENTSLEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
April 5.Yugoslav‑Russian treaty of friendship and nonaggression signed at Moscow.(". . . inspired by friendship existing between the two countries andconvinced that preservation of peace forms their common interest, . . ."Times,Apr. 6, 1941, p. 1.)
April 6.Germany, Italy, and Bulgaria attacked Yugoslavia. ("During the night ofMarch 27 Yugoslavia . . . passed immediately over to the enemies of the Axis.The Italian Government followed with great attention and the greatest calm theevents that led Yugoslavia to unite herself with Great Britain and Greece andbecome, like Greece, a base of operations for the British forces in Europe.
"In the light of this factthe Italian Government has decided to move with its military, naval, and aerialforces in close collaboration with those of Germany."Bulletin,Vol. V, No. 130, pp. 554 f. Cf. "I [Hitler] have repeatedly warned of theattempt by the British to land troops in Southeastern Europe, and I have saidthat this constitutes a threat to the German Reich. Unfortunately this warningwent unheeded by the Yugoslav nation. I have further tried, always with thesame patience, to convince Yugoslav statesmen of the absolute necessity fortheir cooperation with the German Reich for restoration of lasting peace andorder within Yugoslavia."Times, Apr. 6, 1941, p. 26. Cf. Mar. 27,Apr. 3,supra.)
Official Yugoslav statement.("The real reason for the German aggression is that Germany wantedYugoslavia to depart from its position of neutrality she adopted in theEuropean conflict since the beginning of the war. Unjustly attacked, Yugoslaviain defending herself against an aggressor is faithful to her history andnational traditions and firmly resolved to defend her national independence,territorial integrity, and national honor. In answer to German allegationsregarding the causes of this aggression, it is replied . . . that Germany isthe aggressor State and Yugoslavia has done nothing against Germany."Times,Apr. 7, p. 5.)
"Germany attacked Greece.("The Reich Government can no longer close their eyes to the fact thatGreece is making common cause with Britain and must therefore be regarded asGermany's enemy in the present war with all the consequences that thisentails."Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 130, p. 554.)
Message of King George ofGreece to his people. ("Greeks! A new enemy this morning insulted thehonour of our country. With no warning, . . . German troops attacked ourfrontiers. Our heroic army, . . . is already defending it with its blood.Greeks! The Greek people, who have proved to the world that they rank honourabove everything else, will defend it against this new enemy to the end."Times,Apr. 7, p. 4.)
April 7.Britain severed diplomatic relations with Hungary. ("Hungary has become abase of operations against the Allies."Ibid., Apr. 8, 1941, p. 7.Cf. Nov. 20, 1940,supra.)
EVENTS LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
April 8.Italy requested the withdrawal of American military attaché. (Cf. Apr. 4,supra.Bulletin, Vol. IV. No. 94, p. 453.)
Vice President Henry. A.Wallace said America must assume responsibility for the peace. ("We of theUnited States can no more evade shouldering our responsibility than a boy ofeighteen can avoid becoming a man by wearing short pants. . . . Peace willbring world‑wide chaos unless the United States furnishes positiveleadership."Times, Apr. 9, 1941, p. 18.)
April 9.United States‑Danish agreement on defense of Greenland by the UnitedStates signed. ("Whereas: One. After the invasion and occupation ofDenmark on April 9, 1940, by foreign military forces, the United GreenlandCouncils at their meeting at Godhavn on May 3, 1940, adopted in the name of thepeople of Greenland a resolution reiterating their oath of allegiance to KingChristian X of Denmark and expressing the hope that, for as long as Greenlandremains cut off from the mother country, the Government of the United States ofAmerica will continue to hold in mind the exposed position of the Danish flagin Greenland, of the native Greenland and Danish population, and of establishedpublic order; and,
"Two. The Governments ofall of the American Republics have agreed that the status of regions in theWestern Hemisphere belonging to European powers is a subject of deep concernto the American Nations, and that the course of military events in Europe andthe changes resulting from them may create the grave danger that Europeanterritorial. possessions in America may be converted into, strategic centers ofaggression against nations of the American Continent; and
"Three. Defense ofGreenland against attack by a non‑American power is essential to thepreservation of the peace and security of the American Continent and is asubject of vital concern to the United States of America and also to theKingdom of Denmark; and
"Four. Although the,sovereignty of Denmark over Greenland is fully recognized, the presentcircumstances for the tine being prevent the Government in Denmark fromexercising its powers in respect of Greenland . . ."Bulletin, Vol.IV, No. 94, p. 445. Cf.Peace, pp. 642 f. Cf. May 1, 1940,supra.)
April 10.Hungary attacked Yugoslavia. (". . . in view of the participation ofBulgaria and Hungary in the attack against Yugoslavia perpetrated by the Axispowers."Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 133, p. 555. Cf. Nov. 20, 1940, Apr.6,supra.)
President Roosevelt modifiedthe Red Sea combat zone. (Sec. 3 (c) of, Public Res. 54 approved Nov. 4, 1939."The President may from time to time modify or extend any proclamationissued under the authority of this section, and when the conditions which shallhave caused him to issue any such proclamation shall have ceased to exist . .."Ibid., Vol. IV, No. 94, p. 450.)
Senate Joint Resolution 7passed, affirming and approving nonrecognition of the transfer of anygeographic region in the Western Hemisphere from one non‑American powerto another non-American power. ("Whereas our traditional policy has beento
278 EVENTSLEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
consider any attempt on the part of non‑Americanpowers to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerousto the peace and safety not only of this country but of other Americanrepublics, . . ." 55 Stat., Pt. I, p. 133.)
April 12.Denmark repudiated agreement of April 9. (". . . without authorizationfrom here, and contrary to the constitution, . . ."Bulletin, Vol.IV, No. 95, p. 471.)
April 13.Japanese‑Russian five‑year neutrality pact signed at Moscow withjoint declaration regarding the frontiers of the Japanese protectorate ofManchukuo. (". . . guided by a desire to strengthen peaceful and friendlyrelations between the two countries, . . ."Times, Apr. 14, 1941,p. 8. Cf.Japan, Vol. II, p. 186.)
April 14.The United States continued to recognize Henrik Kauffmann as Minister ofDenmark after his purported recall. (". . . you consider this action tohave been taken under duress and to be invalid both from the point of view ofDanish and of generally recognized common law, in view of the existingoccupation of Denmark by German military forces.
"My Government considersit to be the fact that the Government in Denmark in this respect is actingunder duress, . . ." (Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 95, p. 471. Cf. Apr.12,supra.)
April 15.Bulgaria severed diplomatic relations with Yugoslavia. (". . . in view ofthe unwarranted and unprovoked attacks on her territory" by Yugoslav airforces and foreign elements operating from Yugoslav bases.Times, Apr.16, 1941, p. 3. Cf. Apr. 6,supra.)
April 16.The United States presented four fundamental principles as foundation forinternational relations. "1. Respect for the territorial integrity and thesovereignty of each and all nations. 2. Support of the principle ofnoninterference in the internal affairs of other countries. 3. Support of theprinciple of equality, including equality of commercial opportunity. 4. Non-disturbanceof thestatusquo in the Pacific except as thestatusquomay be altered by peaceful means.' " (For basis of informal, exploratorydiscussions with Japan.Peace, p. 730. Cf.Japan, Vol. II, p.407.)
April 17.Yugoslav Army surrendered. (Capitulation.Times, Apr. 18, 1941, p. 1.)
April 19.Britain sent troops to Iraq. (Under clause IV of the Anglo-Iraqi treaty:". . . in the event of an imminent menace of war the contracting partieswill immediately confer together on the necessary measures for defense.
"The aid of the King ofIraq in event of war or imminent menace of war, will consist in furnishing toHis Britannic Majesty, on Iraq territory, all facilities and assistance in hispower, including the use of roads, rivers, ports, airdromes, and means ofcommunications."Ibid., Apr. 20, 1941, p. 1. Cf. Apr. 4,supra.)
EVENTS LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
April 20.President Roosevelt announced an exchange of defense articles with Canada.(". . . measures by which the most prompt and effective utilization mightbe made of the productive facilities of North America for the purposes both oflocal and hemisphere defense and of the assistance which in addition to theirown programs both Canada and the United States are rendering to Great Britainand the other democracies.'''Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 96, p. 494. Cf.Aug. 18, 1940,supra.)
April 21.Greece signed armistice with Germany. ("The armistice that has been signedwith the Germans without authority appears to have been precipitated byexhaustion from an unequalled victorious struggle of six months and more. It isthe result of crushing pressure exerted on our gallant army."Times,Apr. 24, 1941, p. 3. Cf.Ibid., p. 4.)
April 22.Two thousand American troops arrived in Philippines. (Reinforcements.Ibid.,Apr. 23, 1941, p. 13. Cf. Jan. 27, Feb. 25,supra.)
April 23.Greece severed diplomatic relations with Bulgaria. (After Bulgarian troops hadoccupied Thrace.Ibid., Apr. 24, 1941, p. 4,)
Greece surrendered to Germanyand Italy. ("The High Command of the Greek Army in Epirus and Macedoniarepresented by General Tsolakoglou turns to the Italian High Command of ArmedForces in Albania and the High Command of German Forces in Greece to ask thatunconditional surrender of the Greek Army in Epirus and Macedonia beaccepted."Ibid., p. 4.)
April 24.Bulgaria declared state of war in those areas of Greece and Yugoslavia occupiedby Bulgarian troops. (Cf. Apr. 15, 23,supra.Bulletin, Vol. V,No. 96, p. 555.)
Australian detachmentsreinforced. Singapore. (To strengthen defenses against surprise from land orsea.Times, Apr. 25, 1941, p. 1. Cf. Feb. 16,supra.)
April 26.China and the United States signed a monetary stabilization accord. ("Thisis a cooperative agreement between friendly nations that are working togetherin many ways to preserve the basic freedoms. Apart from the obvious purposes ofstabilizing the relationship between the currencies concerned, it will be animportant factor in fostering the welfare of the participating countries."Ibid., Apr. 26, 1941, p. 7.)
The Inter‑AmericanFinancial and Economic Advisory Committee passed resolution recognizing rightof the republics to requisition foreign flag vessels in their ports.("Whereas,
"Subparagraph (D) of Article2, Resolution IV, on economic cooperation, of the Meeting of Foreign Ministersof the American Republics at Panama, in 1939 charged the Inter-AmericanFinancial and Economic Advisory Committee with studying and proposing to theGovernments the most effective measures for mutual cooperation to lessen oroffset dislocations in the trade of the American republics resulting from thepresent war;
280 EVENTSLEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
"The commerce of theAmerican republics has normally been carried on in large measure in merchantvessels of non-American polders, many of which are not available for such tradebecause of the increasing rate of destruction of the means of maritimetransportation by the belligerent nations, the consequent increased diversionof such vessels to other trades, and the prolonged stationing by their ownersof a large number of such vessels in American ports interrupting their normalcommercial activities; and
"The resulting shippingshortage has prejudiced and is prejudicing the commerce of and among theAmerican republics, creating a very grave problem for the fundamental right ofthe nations of the Americas to preserve the trade which is essential. to theirnormal existence;
"Some of the Americanrepublics have already been forced to take steps with a view to remedying thissituation; and
"Bearing in mind therecommendations of the Inter-American Neutrality Committee, which were adoptedby Resolution I of the Second Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs ofthe American Republics at Habana in July 1940 . . ."Bulletin, Vol.IV, No. 97, p. 531.)
May 1.Britain withdrew from Greece. (When it became obvious that the resistance ofthe Greek army to German invasion was at an end, the Government of Greecerequested that the entire contingent which had been sent to its help should bewithdrawn from Greece.Times, May 1, 1941, pp. 1, 4.)
May 2.British began fighting in Iraq. (Iraq Government held British reinforcementsviolated pact.Ibid., May 2, 1941, p. 1. ) Occupied oil fields. (Ibid.,May 3., 1941, p. 2. Cf. Apr. 19,supra.)
May 3.Germany and Italy divided and annexed Slovenia. By decree. ("Contemporaryhistory in all parts of the globe, which this war has confirmed, demonstratesthe impossibility for very Small nations to lead an autonomous life. They arefatally destined too enter into the sphere of influence of this or that greatneighboring power."Ibid., May 4, 1941, p. 43.)
May 6.Emperor Hailie Selassie regained Ethiopian throne. (Bulletin, Vol. IV,No. 100, p. 635. Cf.Times, May 7, 1941, p. 5. Cf. May 2, 1936,supra.)
Secretary of War Stimsonadvocated use of Navy to convoy to Britain. ("The world is facing so greata crisis that all of our efforts must be turned toward the defense of ournation's safety.... our own self‑defenserequires that limits should be put to lawless aggression on the ocean. ThePresident has said that we must not allow the steps which we have already takento become ineffective."Ibid., p. 14.)
May 9.French Indochinese-Thai peace treaty signed at Tokyo with Japanese guarantee ofnew borders. (Japanese mediation.Ibid., May 9, 1941, p. 8. Cf. Jan. 31,supra.)
EVENTS LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
Russia withdrew recognitionfrom German‑occupied states of Belgium, Norway, and Yugoslavia. (Patchingup differences with Germany.Ibid., May 10, 1941, p. 1.)
May 10.Flight of Rudolph Hess to Scotland. (Ibid., May 13, 1941, p. 1.)
May 12.Yugoslavia protested the creation of the "Independent State ofCroatia." ("It is, of course, a cardinal principle of internationallaw that military occupation of territory in the course of hostilities does notchange the juridical status of the territory thus occupied and that occupationby enemy armies provides no legal basis for the establishment of a newjuridical status within. such territory."Bulletin, Vol. IV, No.102, p. 682. Cf. May 3,supra.)
Japan presented a proposal fora general settlement between the United States and Japan. (". . . it isthe sincere desire of both Governments that the incidents which led to thedeterioration of amicable sentiment among our peoples should be prevented fromrecurrence and corrected in their unforeseen and unfortunate consequences.
"It is our present hopethat, by a joint effort, our nations may establish a just peace in the Pacific;and by the rapid consummation of an entente cordiale [amicable understanding],arrest, if not dispel, the tragic confusion that now threatens to engulfcivilization."Peace, p. 657.)
Russia recognized rebelgovernment of Iraq. (To improve relations with Germany and avert German attackon Ukraine and Caucasus.Times, May 13. 1941, p. 2. Cf. Apr. 19,Supra.)
May 13.Prime Minister Robert G. Menzies of Australia told America the war wasAmerica's business. (". . . for parliamentary liberty and the orderedrights of self-government are our joint and several heritage.... it is essential for the world not only that tyranny should be defeatedbut that it should be defeated quickly before the scars made by it are too deepand too lasting...."Ibid., May 14,1941, p. 6.)
May 14.France accepted new German terms for economic collaboration. (Ibid.,May 15, 1941, p. 1. "France can, surmount her defeat and save her rank asa European and colonial power in the world." [Unofficial translation.]Rice, p. 68.)
Germany proclaimed the northernpart of the Red Sea a zone of military operations. (Result of war developmentsin the Eastern Mediterranean.Times, May 14, 1941, p. 1. Cf. Apr. 10,supra.)
May 15.President Roosevelt rebuked France for collaboration amounting to an alliance.("The people of the United States can hardly believe that the presentGovernment of France could be brought to lend itself to a plan of voluntaryalliance, implied or otherwise, which would apparently deliver up France andits colonial empire, including French African colonies and their Atlanticcoasts, with the menace which that involves to the peace and safety of theWestern Hemisphere."Ibid., May 16, 1941, pp. 1, 4.)
282 EVENTSLEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
May 16.Iceland severed union with Denmark. (Because the latter was unable to exercisegovernmental functions under the law of 1918 and the former did not wish toprolong the treaty.Ibid., May 20, 1941, p. 11. Cf. Apr. 24, May 9,1940,supra.)
Iraq and Russia exchanged notesto establish diplomatic and consular relations. (Ibid., May 18, 1941, p.6. Cf. May 12,supra.)
May 18.Italy planned to restore Croatian monarchy. ("By virtue of further.agreements entered into with representatives of the so‑called`Independent State of Croatia' that `state,' previously established on Yugoslavterritory by the military authorities of occupation, has been declared by theItalian Government to be a hereditary monarchy under Italian protection, thusestablishing in effect if not in name an annexation of these territories bythe Italian Government."Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 102, p. 683. Cf.May 12,supra.)
May 21. Germanyrequested that foreign diplomatic agents evacuate Paris by June 10. (Paris areawas regarded as "an extended zone of operations."Times, May22, 1941, p. 1.)
S. S.RobinMoorsunk by German submarine. (Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 103, p. 716.)
May 22. Britainwarned France of the danger of collaboration with Germany. ("If the Vichygovernment, in pursuance of their declared policy of collaboration with theenemy, take action or permit action detrimental to our conduct of the war ordesigned to assist the enemy's war effort, we shall naturally hold ourselvesfree to attack the enemy wherever he may be found, and in so doing we shall nolonger feel bound to draw any distinction between occupied and unoccupiedterritory in the execution of our military plans."Times, May 23,1941, p. 4. Cf. Oct. 21, 1940, May 14,supra.)
May 23.Admiral Darlan tells why France chose collaboration freely. (For"ameliorations of the consequences of defeat and of the conditions of thearmistice.... It is necessary for her to choosebetween life and death. The Marshal and the Government have chosen life."Ibid., May 24, 1941, p. 4. Cf., Rice, p. 69. )
May 27.President Roosevelt proclaimed unlimited national emergency. (". . . whatstarted as a European war has developed, as the Nazis always intended it shoulddevelop, into a world war for world‑domination.
"Adolf Hitler neverconsidered the domination of Europe as an end in itself. European conquest wasbut a step toward ultimate goals in all the other continents. It isunmistakably apparent to all of us that, unless the advance of Hitlerism isforcibly checked now, the Western Hemisphere will be within range of the Naziweapons of destruction. . . The war is approaching the brink of the WesternHemisphere itself. It is coming very close to home." 55 Stat., Pt. II, p.1647.)
EVENTS LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
May 29. TheUnited States arranged to train British flyers. (To operate American planessent abroad under lend‑lease.Times, May 30, 1941, p. 5.)
Foreign Secretary Eden saidinternational social security was Britain's prime policy after the war.("For irrespective of the nature of the political settlement, ContinentalEurope will end this war starved and bankrupt of all foods and raw materialswhich she was accustomed to obtain from the rest of the world.
"She will have no means,unaided, of breaking the vicious circle. She can export few goods until she hasfirst received the necessary raw materials. Wasteful wartime cultivations inmany lands will leave agriculture almost as weak as industry. Thus Europe willface vast problems of general demobilization with a general lack of thenecessary means to put men to work."Ibid., May 30, 1941, p. 4. Cf.Mar. 25,supra.)
May 31.British-Iraqi armistice signed at Baghdad. ("The hostilities for whichthere is no longer any reason, will be ended as soon as the commission hasreceived assurances that the complete independence of the country and the honorof the Army mil be guaranteed."Ibid., June 1, 1941, p. 1. Cf. May2,supra.)
June 2.Chancellor Hitler met Premier Mussolini at Brenner. (To discuss "thepolitical situation."Ibid., June 3, 1941, p. 1.)
United States announced policyon French possessions in the Western Hemisphere. (In answer to suggestion fortheir acquisition.Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 103, p. 720.)
June 5.Secretary of State Hull condemned French collaboration with Nazis. ("Suchaction would not only be yielding priceless rights and interests beyond therequirements of a harsh armistice but it would at once place France insubstantial political and military subservience and would also make her, inpart, the instrument of aggression against many other peoples and nations. Thiscould only be utterly inimical to the just rights of other countries, to saynothing of its ultimate effects on the liberties, the true interests, and thewelfare of the people of France."Ibid., No. 102, p. 682. Cf.Peace,p. 674. Cf. May 15,supra.)
June 6.United States authorized acquisition of idle foreign merchant ships. (UnderPublic Law 101 and Executive Order No. 8771 for urgent needs of commerce andnational defense.Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 102, p. 701.)
June 8.British and Free French troops entered French Syria and Lebanon. (Cf. May 22,supra.". . . with the object of eliminating German personnel and influence fromcertain areas in which they are securing a dominating position throughcontinued infiltration."Times, June 9, 1941, p. 2.)
June 10. AdmiralDarlan urged French to conquer their illusions and consent to sacrifices.("For France not to fulfill loyally the armistice conditions and therebygive the conqueror reason to denounce her would be tantamount to suicide forFrance and the empire. . . . The signature of a definite peace remains
284 EVENTSLEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
difficult as long as the major problems that are thebasis for present conflict are unsolved . . . the government's duty is to actso as to create an atmosphere favorable to the establishment of an honorablepeace, . . . If that atmosphere cannot be created, I fear a disastrous peacefor France. That fear is not founded on impression; it is founded on certainty.. . . that path is the sole path of salvation for your country."Ibid.,June 11, 1941, p. 10. Cf.Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 203, p. 718.)
Secretary of State Hullreassured Portugal as to its islands in the Atlantic. (Because of protest ofMay 30.Ibid., p. 718.)
June 12.Russian‑Japanese trade treaty signed. (To stimulate trade.Ibid.,June 12, 1941, p. 10.)
Britain, Canada, Australia, NewZealand, South Africa, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Greece, Luxemburg, TheNetherlands, Norway, Poland, Yugoslavia, and Free France resolved to fightuntil victory. ("There can be no settled peace and prosperity so long asfree peoples are coerced by violence into submission to domination by Germanyor her associates or live under the threat of such coercion; . . ."Ibid.,June 13, 1941, p. 4.)
June 13.Secretary of State Hull said the French people and those of the United Stateshad a common interest in preventing the former becoming cobelligerents ofHitler. ("The general adoption of Hitlerism would set the world back fiveto ten centuries."Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 103, p. 716.)
June 14.President Roosevelt ordered Axis funds in the United States frozen. ("Inview of the unlimited national emergency declared by the President, . . . TheExecutive Order is designed, among other things, to prevent the use of thefinancial facilities of the United States in ways harmful to national defenseand other American interests, to prevent the liquidation in the United Statesof assets looted by duress or conquest, and to curb subversive activities inthe United States."Ibid., p. 718. See also Vol. 6,FederalRegister,p. 2897.)
June 15.Croatia signed agreement with Axis respecting its interests. ("Croatiagives its full adherence to the principles and reasons which inspire the rulersof Italy, Germany, and Japan in constituting a united front for creation of anew order in the European and Asiatic world."Times, June 16, 1941,p. 3. Cf. May 12, 18,supra.)
June 16.United States requested withdrawal of German and Italian consular staffs byJuly 10. ("It has come to the knowledge of this Government that agenciesof the German Reich in this country, including German consular establishments,have been engaged in activities wholly outside the scope of their legitimateduties. These activities have been of an improper and unwarranted character.They render the continued presence in the United States of those agencies andconsular establishments inimical to the welfare of this country."Bulletin,Vol. IV, No. 104, p. 743. Cf. May 21,supra.)
EVENTS LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
June 17.United States and Canada set up Joint Economic Committees. (". . . tostudy and to report to their respective governments on the possibilities of(1) effecting a more economic, more efficient, and more coordinated utilizationof the combined resources of the two countries in the production of defenserequirements (to the extent that this is not now being done) and (2) reducingthe probable post-war economic dislocation consequent upon the changes whichthe economy in each country is presently undergoing."Ibid., p.747. Cf. Aug. 18, 1940, Mar. 19, Apr. 20,supra.)
June 18.German‑Turkish ten-year friendship pact signed at Ankara. (". . .inspired by a desire to place relations between the two countries on a basis ofmutual confidence and sincere friendship, . . ."Times, Tune 19,1941, p. 4.)
Japan discontinued negotiationswith the Netherland Indies for economic agreement. ("The reply of theNetherlands of June 6 is not only very unsatisfactory but asserts in connectionwith the question of the acquisition of essential materials and goods, to whichJapan attaches importance, that their quantities may be decreased at any timeto suit their own convenience."Ibid., June 19, 1941, p. 8.)
June 19.Germany and Italy requested withdrawal of United States consular staffs fromterritories under their control by July 15. (Retaliation. Cf. June 16,supra.". . . the attitude and activities of American consular officers in Italyhave given rise to grave developments."Ibid., June 20, 1941, p. 6.". . . the conduct of American consular authorities and the AmericanTravel Agency, the American Express Company, for a long time occasioned heavyobjections, . . ."Ibid., p. 8.)
June 20.President Roosevelt denounced the sinking of the S. S.RobinMoorby Germany. ("The total disregard shown for the most elementaryprinciples of international law and of humanity brands the sinking of theRobinMoor as the act of an international outlaw."Bulletin, Vol.IV, No. 104, p. 741. Cf.Peace, p. 675.)
The United States orderedItalian consulates closed. (". . . it is obvious that the continuedfunctioning of Italian consular establishments in territory of the UnitedStates would serve no desirable purpose."Bulletin, Vol. IV, No.104, p. 743. Cf. June 16,supra.)
June 21.Uruguay proposed to treat American Republics engaged in war asnon-belligerents. (". . . to give new content and definition to thepolicy of inter-American solidarity."Ibid., Vol. V, No. 106, p.8.)
Secretary of State Hullpresented a counterproposal to Japan. (Cf. May 12,supra. For a"joint, declaration for the resumption of traditional friendlyrelations."Peace, p. 677.)
June 22.Germany invaded Russia. (". . . the German Ambassador in Moscow, on behalfof his Government made the statement to me as People's Commissar of ForeignAffairs to the effect that the
286 EVENTSLEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
German Government had decided to launch war againstthe Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in connection with the concentrationof Red Army units near the eastern Government frontier." [Russianstatement.]Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 130, p. 556. "Waiting would be acrime against Germany.
"For weeks the Russianshave been committing frontier violations. Russian planes have been crossingthe frontier again and again to prove that they are the masters. On the nightof June 17 and again on June 18 there was large patrol activity." [Germanstatement.]Times, June 22, 1941, p. l. "Now that the attack on theSoviet Union has already been committed, the Soviet Government has ordered ourtroops to repulse the predatory assault and to drive German troops from theterritory of our country." [Russian statement.]Ibid., June 23,1941, p. 10. Cf.Ibid., p. 6, and Foreign Minister von Ribbentrop'sstatementIbid., p. 4. Cf. Mar. 20,supra.)
Russia attacked Finland.("Citizens, centuries have shown that on the site on which fate has placedthis nation, permanent peace cannot be achieved. The pressure of the East isalways upon us." [Finnish statement.]Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 130, p.556. "Immediately after the outbreak of war between Germany and the SovietUnion four days ago, the integrity of our frontiers was violated on numerousoccasions by the Soviet Union, in consequence of which we presented energeticprotests, but without any result.... . When theFinnish Parliament, on March 21, was discussing the documents relating to thePeace Treaty, the Soviet Government presented in Moscow a strong protestagainst the project, declaring wholly without cause that it was in conflictwith the Peace Treaty. . . .
Italy declared war on Russia.(Cf. June 2,supra.Times, June 23, 1941, p. 5.)
Rumanians entered Bessarabia.(". . . to liberate and recover Rumanian national patrimony overrun,without justification by the unprovoked aggression of Communist Russia."Bulletin,Vol. V, No. 130, p. 556. Cf. June 28, 1940,supra.)
Slovakia severed diplomaticrelations with Russia. (Axis tie.Times, June 23, 1941, p. 5. Cf. Nov.24, 1940,supra.)
Prime Minister Churchillpledged British aid to Russia. ("Any man or State who fights againstNazism will. have our aid. Any man or State who marches with Hitler is our foe.This applies not only to organized States but to all representatives of thatvile race of Quislings who make themselves the tools and agents of the Naziregime. against their fellow countrymen and against. the lands of their births.These Quislings, like the Nazi leaders themselves, if not disposed of by theirfellow countrymen, which would save trouble, will be delivered by us on themorrow of victory to the justice of the Allied tribunals. That is our policyand that is our declaration."Ibid., p. 8.)
June 24.President Roosevelt released Russian credits and promised American aid. (Policyof giving material assistance to any country fighting Germany.Ibid.,June 25, 1941, p. 1.)
EVENTS LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
June 25.President Roosevelt refused to apply neutrality statute to Russia. (To aidRussia by keeping Vladivostok open.Ibid., June 26, 1941, p. 1.)
Sweden granted passage of onedivision of German troops from Norway to Finland. ("Our chief interest isto maintain our liberty and stay outside of the conflict, and the governmentcame to the conclusion that the only way to do so was to accept theGerman-Finnish demand."Ibid., p. 5.)
June 26.Finland announced a state of war with Russia. "To reduce this pressure,destroy the eternal menace, and secure a happy and peaceful life for coming,generations, we now embark upon our defensive battle."Bulletin,Vol. V, No. 130, p. 556. "Since the Moscow treaty and up to the newaggression launched against Finland in June 1941, the attitude of Russia towardFinland made it fully clear that the Russian policy tends to the enslaving ofFinland. The final aim of Russian policy has always been the destruction ofFinland's independence."Times, June 29, 1941, p. 17.)
Helsinki bombed by Sovietplanes. (President Ryti declared that in this fight "we are not alone;Great Germany, . . had decided to wage war against the Soviet and other nationshave joined Germany. Russia in this task is facing a united front stretchingfrom the White Sea to the Black Sea."Times, June 27, pp. 1, 4; cf.alsoFinland, pp. 100‑105, andTimes, June 29, p. 17.)
Soviets denounced Finland.(Moscow broadcast denounced Finland, adding, "The Finnish militarists haveflagrantly violated the Soviet-Finnish peace treaty. The rulers of Finland havebegun military operations against our country . . . The Soviet Union hasfulfilled the peace treaty conscientiously. But the rulers of Finland, underorders from Hitler, have plunged the long-suffering Finnish people into a waragainst the Soviet Union. Scoring the most elementary of international laws andthe vital interests of their own people, the Finnish warmongers have againlaunched a campaign against the Soviet Union. . . . The ignoble rulers ofFinland have not learned any lesson from the campaign of the winter of 1939 and1940. They are asking for another, a final, lesson, and that lesson the Finnishperpetrators of fascism will get."Times, June 27, p. 4.)
Soviet press denounced Finns.(Pravda "bitterly denounced the `treachery of Finland's puppet governmentin violating the Soviet‑Finnish pact and entering the war'."Times,June 29, p. 17.)
June 27.Denmark severed diplomatic relations with Russia. (Expressed its disapprovalof Russia.Ibid., June 28, 1941, p. 2. Cf. June 22,supra:Russian invasion of Finland.)
Hungary declared war on Russia.(". . . because of the aerial attacks."Bulletin, Vol. V, No.130, p. 556.)
June 28.Albania announced state of war with Russia. (Italian protectorate.Ibid.,p. 556.)
288 EVENTSLEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
June 30.France severed diplomatic relations with Russia. ("The French Governmenthad become convinced that diplomatic and consular agents of the Soviet inFrance were exercising influence affecting the security of the State."Times,July 1, 1941, p. 6.)
July 1.Iceland and the United States exchanged letters on the defense of Iceland.(". . . it is imperative that the integrity and independence of Icelandshould be preserved because of the fact that any occupation of Iceland by apower whose only too clearly apparent plans for world conquest include thedomination of the peoples of the New World would at once directly menace thesecurity of the entire Western Hemisphere."Bulletin, Vol. V, No.107, p. 18. Cf. Apr. 24, May 9, 1940, May 18,supra.)
Germany, Italy, and the otherAxis states recognized Wang Ching‑wei regime in China. (An effort tokeep Japan in line and save Japan's "face."Times, July 2,1941, pp. 1, 5.)
July 3.Denmark requested the withdrawal of United States consular staffs by July 15.(Because an "impossible" situation existed.Ibid., July 4,1941, p. 4. Cf. June 19,supra.)
July 7. TheUnited States occupied Iceland. "In accordance with the understanding soreached, forces of the United States Navy have today arrived in Iceland inorder to supplement, and eventually to replace, the British forces which haveuntil now been stationed in Iceland in order to insure the adequate defense ofthat country. . . . [to prevent] the occupation by Germany of strategicoutposts in the Atlantic to be used as air or naval bases for eventual attackagainst the Western Hemisphere. . . . Assurance that such outposts in ourdefense‑frontier remain in friendly hands is the very foundation of ournational security and of the national security of every one of the independentnations of the New World.... in order toforestall any pincers movement undertaken by Germany against the Western Hemisphere.. . ."Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 106, pp. 15 f. Cf. July 1,supra.Cf.Peace, p. 686.)
July 8.Japan told the United States it had not so far considered the possibility offighting Russia. (". . . they do not at present feel compelled to modifytheir policy towards the U. S. S. R. except to the extent of their naturaldesire not to give rise to misunderstandings to their allies. It is theirsincere hope that they will be able to pursue a course of policy carefullycalculated at once to serve their own interests and to preserve the spirit ofmutual trust among the allies, while maintaining good relations with the U. S.S. R."Ibid., p. 692.)
July 11.British‑French Syria‑Lebanon armistice signed at Acre. (". . .bringing about the end of hostilities...."Times,July 16, 1941, p. 4. Cf. June 8,supra.)
July 12.British‑Russian mutual-assistance agreement signed at Moscow. (Putting onpaper previous oral promises.Ibid., July 14, 1941, pp. 1, 3. Cf. June22,supra.)
EVENTS LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
July 18.Russian-Czechoslovakian agreement signed. (Resuming diplomatic relations,promising mutual aid, creating a Czech legion.Ibid., July 19, 1941, p.3.)
July 21.The United States and Britain agreed to exchange representatives between theUnited States and India. (In consultation with India.Bulletin, Vol. V,No: 109, p. 74.)
France accepted Japanesedemands for military control of French Indochina. (They were "in noposition to resist the pressure exercised upon them."Ibid., p.71. ". . . France sees no inconvenience in permitting Japan temporarily tooccupy military bases in Indochina on the condition there is no menace to theIndochinese integrity and French sovereignty. Japan has made no territorialdemands. We merely want to protect Indo-china."Times, July 24,1941, p. 1. "France definitely recognized the preeminent position of Japanin Indo-china . . ."Ibid., July 27, 1941, p. 12. ". . . oneof the two reasons for the step taken was to assure to Japan an uninterruptedsource of supply of rice and other food stuffs, which Indochina afforded, aswell as an uninterrupted supply of other raw materials which they requiredfrom that region. He stated that Japan believed that de Gaullist French agentswere stirring up trouble in southern Indo-china and that of course there weremany Chinese agitators in that region and the Japanese Government feared thatat some time in the near future a situation might develop which would cut offJapan's supplies from those territories.
"The Ambassador then saidthat the second reason for the occupation undertaken was the need for militarysecurity. He stated that Japan believed that certain foreign powers were bentupon a policy of encirclement of Japan and that the step taken was purely aprecautionary measure in the nature of a safeguard.
"The two situations whichthe Ambassador had set forth above, he stated, had occasioned great`uneasiness' to Japan."Peace, pp. 693 f.)
July 23.Acting Secretary of State Summer Welles told Ambassador Nomura there was nobasis for pursuing further the conversations between Japan and the UnitedStates. (Cf. July 21,supra. ". . . the United States could onlyassume that the occupation of Indochina by Japan constituted notice to theUnited States that the Japanese Government intended to pursue a policy of forceand of conquest, and, second, that in the light of these acts on the part ofJapan, the United States, with regard to its own safety in the light of its ownpreparations for self-defense, must assume that the Japanese Government wastaking the last step before proceeding upon a policy of totalitarian expansionin the South Seas and of conquest in the South Seas through the seizure of additionalterritories in that region.
"This Government could notsee that there was any fact or factual theory upon which Japan could possiblyfill Indo-china with Japanese military and other forces for purposes ofdefending Japan. The only consequent alternative was to regard the occupationof Indo-china by Japan as being undertaken because of the Japanese realizationof its value to Japan for purposes of offense against the South Sea area."Peace, p. 696.)
290 EVENTSLEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
July 24.The United States denounced action of Japan in French Indochina. (". . .the action of Japan is undertaken because of the estimated value to Japan ofbases in that region primarily for purposes of further and more obviousmovements of conquest in adjacent areas.
"In the light of previousdevelopments, steps such as are now being taken by the Government of Japanendanger the peaceful use by peaceful nations of the Pacific. They tend tojeopardize the procurement by the United States of essential materials such astin and rubber which are necessary for the normal economy of this country andthe consummation to them of our defense program."Bulletin, Vol. V,No. 109, pp. 71 f. Cf.Times, July 25, 1941, p. 5. Cf.Peace, p.699.)
President Roosevelt proposed toobtain from China, Britain, the Netherlands, the United States, and Japan aneutralization agreement for French Indochina if Japan would withdraw herforces. (". . . he still wished to seize every possible opportunity ofpreventing the creation of a situation between Japan and the United Stateswhich could only give rise to serious misunderstandings between the two peoples...."Ibid., p. 701.)
July 25.The United States froze Japanese assets. (". . . To prevent the use of thefinancial facilities of the United States in trade between Japan and the UnitedStates in ways harmful to national defense and American interests, to preventthe liquidation in the United States of assets obtained by duress or conquest,and to curb subversive activities in the United States."Bulletin,Vol. V, No. 109, p. 73. Cf.Peace, p. 705.)
The United States froze Chineseassets. ("At the specific request of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, andfor the purpose of helping the Chinese Government . . . with a view tostrengthening the foreign trade and exchange position of the ChineseGovernment. . . ."Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 109, p. 73. Cf.Peace,p. 705.)
July 26.Britain froze Japanese assets. (Retaliation for Japan's impending occupation ofland, sea, and air bases in South Indochina.Times, July 26, 1941, p.5.)
Britain denounced commercialagreements with Japan. (To supplement freezing of credits.Ibid., July27, 1941, p. 13. Cf. July 26, 1939,supra.)
President Rooseveltnationalized the armed forces of the Philippines for the duration of theAmerican emergency. ("Under and by virtue of the authority vested in me bythe Constitution of the United States, by Section 2 (a) (12) of the PhilippineIndependence Act of March 24, 1934 (48 Stat. 457), and by the correspondingprovision of the Ordinance appended to the Constitution of the Commonwealth ofthe Philippines, and as Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy of the UnitedStates, . . ." Vol. 6,FederalRegister, p. 3825.)
July 29.The United States issued its first list of blocked nationals. ("The chiefeffect of the publication of the list of blocked nationals is to deny thebenefits of inter-American trade to persons who have hitherto been using largeprofits to finance subversive
EVENTS LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
activities aimed at undermining the peace andindependence of the Western Hemisphere. . . . The issuance of the proclaimedlist, marking persons who are contributing to these anti-American activities,is but another step in blocking the efforts of those who have sinister designson the Americas."Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 110, p. 99.)
Franco-Japanese protocol signedat Vichy. ("Taking into consideration the present international situation;
"Recognizing inconsequence that should the security of French Indo-china be menaced, Japanwould have reason to consider the general tranquility in East Asia and its ownsecurity endangered.
"Renewing on this occasionthe engagements undertaken, on the part of Japan to respect the rights andinterests of France in East Asia, in particular, the territorial integrity ofFrench Indochina, and the sovereign rights of France in all parts of the Unionof Indochina, and on the part of France to conclude in regard to Indochina noagreement or understanding with a third power which envisages political,economic, or military cooperation of a character directly or indirectly opposedto Japan; . . ."
July 30.Polish-Russian agreement for cooperation signed at London. (". . . byvirtue of which normal relations have been renewed between the twocountries."Bulletin, , Vol. V, No. 119, p. 245. Cf. July 12, 18,supra.)
The United States recognizedthe Czechoslovakian Government in exile at London. ("In furtherance of itssupport of the national aspirations of the people of Czechoslovakia, . .."Ibid., No. 110, p. 88.)
July 3l.Bulgaria incorporated parts of Yugoslavia. (". . . the German militaryauthorities have allowed the Bulgarian army to take possession of certainsouthern and eastern parts of Yugoslav national territory."Ibid.,No. 129, p. 511. Cf. Apr. 6, 15, 24, May 12,supra.)
August 1.The United States embargoed export of aviation oil. (". . . in theinterest of national defense."Times, Aug. 2, 1941, p. 1.Bulletin,, Vol. V, No. 110, p. 101. Cf. July 31, 1940,supra.)
August 2.United States-Russian exchange of notes on economic assistance. (". . . forthe purpose of strengthening the Soviet Union in its struggle against armedaggression. This decision has been prompted by the conviction of the Governmentof the United States that the strengthening of the armed resistance of theSoviet Union to the predatory attack of an aggressor who is threatening thesecurity and independence not only of the Soviet Union but also of all othernations is in the interest of the national defense of the United States."Ibid.,No. 111, p. 109. Cf. June 24,supra.)
292
August 4.France indicated it would refuse military facilities to the
Axis in North Africa. ("In Syria we had to do with plainaggression by England without an ultimatum and without forewarning. We had anarmy which we could hope to supply with reinforcements and materials andwhich, in fact, resisted thirty-one days.
"In Indochina on Aug. 30,1940, we had to recognize the preponderant position of Japan in the Far Eastand on that account gave it military facilities. America did not react at thatmoment.
"Now Japan tells us enemyconcentrations were threatening Indochina. At the moment Indochina is cut offfrom the homeland. We could not send reinforcements there. Hence we acceptedJapanese military precautions through the Kato agreement. This situation isnot found in any other part of what is left of the French Empire andparticularly in Africa."Times, Aug. 5, 1941, p. 1.)
August 6.Japan presented a counterproposal on withdrawal from French Indochina on itsown terms. (Cf. July 24,supra.) ("As the United States Governmenthas nevertheless manifested certain anxiety over the situation in regard toFrench Indo-china, the Japanese Government, with a view to dispelling any suchmisgiving, has instructed me to transmit a proposal and to enter intonegotiations in strict confidence and on an `off record' basis. The proposal isintended to serve as a reply in a way to the suggestion, made by the Presidenton July 24 during his conversation with me [Nomura], and to provide a freshbasis for Japanese‑American understanding. . ."Peace, p.705.)
August 8.Ambassador Nomura asked Secretary of State Hull whether a meeting could bearranged between "the responsible heads of the two governments, say inHonolulu, ". . . as was suggested in the original Japanese proposal."Ibid., p. 708.
August 9.The United States resolved to confer at once with Britain in the event offurther Japanese movements south. ("The Ambassador made some inquiry aboutthe amount of aid this Government might give in case Singapore or the DutchEast Indies should be attacked."Ibid., p. 710.)
August 12.British‑Russian declaration of aid to Turkey if attacked by Europeanpower. ("It is known that, after the treacherous attack of Nazi Germany onthe Soviet Union, the Germans conducted and are still conducting maliciouspropaganda against the Soviet Union intendedinteralia to bringabout discord between the Soviet Union and Turkey.
"In view of the fact thatthe propaganda being extensively conducted by the Germans has become evenstronger at present; and considering that in the present internationalsituation it is opportune that an exchange of views should take place betweenthe Soviet and Turkish Governments on the subject of the relations between theSoviet Union, Turkey, and Great Britain, . . ."Times, Aug. 13,1941, p. 3.)
EVENTS LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
Marshal Pétain announced fullcollaboration with Germany.
("Our relations withGermany have been defined by an armistice convention the character of whichcould only be provisional. Dragging out this situation makes it that muchharder to support in so far as it governs relations between two greatnations."Ibid., p. 4. Cf. Rice, p. 69.)
August 14. Declarationby President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill (later called"Atlantic Charter")
First, their countries seek noaggrandizement, territorial or other;
Second, they desire to see noterritorial changes that do not accord with the freely expressed wishes of thepeoples concerned;
Third, they respect the rightof all peoples to choose the form of government under which they will live; andthey wish to see sovereign rights and self-government restored to those whohave been forcibly deprived of them;
Fourth, they will endeavor,with due respect for their existing obligations, to further the enjoyment byall States, great or small, victor or vanquished, of access, on equal terms, tothe trade and to the raw materials of the world which are needed for theireconomic, prosperity;
Fifth, they desire to bringabout the fullest collaboration between all nations in the economic field withthe object of securing, for all, improved labor standards, economicadvancement and social security;
Sixth, after the finaldestruction of the Nazi tyranny, they hope to see established a peace whichwill afford to all nations the means of dwelling in safety within their ownboundaries, and which will afford assurance that all the men in all the landsmay live out their lives in freedom from fear and want;
Seventh, such a peace shouldenable all men to traverse the high seas and oceans without hindrance;
Eighth, they believe that allof the nations of the world, for realistic as well as spiritual reasons mustcome to the abandonment of the use of force. Since no future peace can bemaintained if land, sea or air armaments continue to be employed by nationswhich threaten, or may threaten, aggression outside of their frontiers, theybelieve, pending the establishment of a wider and permanent system of generalsecurity, that the disarmament of such nations is essential. They willlikewise aid and encourage all other practicable measures which will lightenfor peace‑loving peoples the crushing burden of armaments. (". . . tomake known certain common principles in the national policies of theirrespective countries on which they base their hopes for a better future for theworld."Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 112, p. 125. Cf.Peace, pp.718 f.)
August 15.The United States and Britain requested opportunity to send theirrepresentatives to Moscow. ("In order that all of us may be in a positionto arrive at speedy decisions as to the apportionment of our joint resources, .. ."Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 112, p. 135. Cf.Peace, p. 712.)
294 EVENTSLEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
August 16.Anglo‑Russian commercial treaty signed. (On exchange of goods, credit,and clearing.Times, Aug. 18, 1941, p. 1. Cf. July 12,supra.)
Anglo-Russian note warned Iranto evict its German community. (". . . an excessively large Germancolony.
"Germans resident in Iran,as in other countries, have long been subjected to organized discipline by theGerman Nazi party. As in other neutral countries, German authorities haveendeavored to pursue in Iran a policy of infiltration by sending their agentsto mingle with and replace the resident German community. . . . It has beenpointed out that the presence of large numbers of German technical experts andagents in various parts of Iran, employed in factories and public works as wellas on roads and railroads and in many other important posts, cannot fail toconstitute a serious danger to the maintenance of Iranian neutrality.... Underground measures taken by the German Government to spreadGerman influence in Iran and to establish eventually German control and dominationof that country obviously constitute a serious danger for the IranianGovernment themselves, as well as for British interests in Iran, but they arealso a danger to neighboring countries. . "Ibid., Aug. 26, 1941,p. 4. Cf.Ibid., Aug. 18, 1941, p. 1. Cf. Apr. 4, June 8,supra.)
August 17.President Roosevelt consented to renew informal discussions for agreement withJapan. (". . . to discuss means for bringing about an adjustment of relationsbetween the United States and Japan and . . . to ascertain whether thereexisted a basis for negotiations relative to a peaceful settlement covering theentire Pacific situation."Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 130, p. 537. Cf.Peace,pp. 715 f. Cf. July 23,supra.)
August 18.Pan American Airways System agreed to ferry aircraft from the United States tothe Middle East via west Africa. (". . . . to speed delivery of planesdirect to the British forces . . ."Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 113, p.147.)
Russia made peace overtures toFinland. (To negotiate new treaty granting territorial concessions to Finland.Ibid.,No. 124, p. 362. Cf. June 22,supra.)
August 24.Prime Minister Churchill promised unhesitating aid to the United States ifhopes for a peaceful settlement with Japan failed. (Because of ". . . thedeep underlying unities which stir and, at decisive moments, rule theEnglish-speaking peoples throughout the world."Times, Aug. 25,1941, p. 4. Cf. Aug. 9,supra.)
August 25.British-Russian troops occupied Iran. ("The reply of the IranianGovernment to the communications addressed to them Aug. 16 show that they arenot prepared to give adequate satisfaction to the recommendations of HisMajesty's Government and the Soviet Government in this important matter.
"It is now clear thatfurther friendly representations to the Iranian Government on the same lines ashitherto would serve
EVENTS LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
no useful purpose and His Majesty's Government musthave recourse to other measures to safeguard their essential interests. . ..This state of affairs demands immediate adoption by the Soviet Government ofall measures which it is not only entitled to take in full accordance withArticle VI of the Treaty of 1921 but which it is also obliged to take in theinterests of her defense....
"Unfortunately the IranGovernment declined to take measures appropriate to putting a halt to thetrouble and disorders instigated by German agents, thereby encouraging Germanagents in their criminal activity.
"In consequence of this,the Soviet Government has been forced itself to take the necessary measures. .."Ibid., Aug. 26, 1941, p. 4. Cf. Aug. 16,supra.)
Chancellor Hitler and PremierMussolini met. (". . . all military and political questions that affectthe development and duration of the war were intensively discussed.... The conversations were permeated by the unalterable determinationof both peoples and their leaders to continue the war to a victoriousconclusion. The new European order that will emerge from this victory as far aspossible will remove the causes that in the past have given rise to Europeanwars....
"The destruction of theBolshevist danger and plutocratic exploitation will create the possibility of fruitful,peaceful, and harmonious collaboration by all the peoples of the Europeancontinent in the political as well as in the economic and culturalspheres."Ibid., Aug. 30, 1941, p. 3.)
August 26.The United States planned to send military mission to China. ("Thefunction of the mission will be to study, in collaboration with Chinese andother authorities, the military situation in China, the need of the ChineseGovernment for materiel and materials; to formulate recommendations regardingtypes and quantities of items, needed; to assist in procurement in this countryand in delivery in China of such materiel and materials; to instruct in the useand maintenance of articles thus provided; and to give advice and suggestionsof appropriate character toward making lend-lease assistance to China aseffective as possible in the interest of the United States, of China, and ofthe world effort in resistance to movements of conquest by force."Bulletin,Vol. V, No. 114, p. 166. )
August 27.Premier Konoye invited President Roosevelt to meet with him "to discussfrom a broad standpoint all important problems between Japan and Americacovering the entire Pacific area, and to explore the possibility of saving thesituation." ("That the two nations should fall in the worst ofrelations at this time would mean not only a disaster in itself, but also thecollapse of world civilization. Japan is solicitous for the maintenance of thepeace of the Pacific and the peace of the world and she desires therefore toimprove Japanese‑American relations."Peace, pp. 721 f. Cf.Aug. 8,supra.)
296 EVENTSLEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
August 28.Japan in note to the United States desired "to pursue courses of peace inharmony with the fundamental principles to which the people and Government ofthe United States are commuted." (To give, "broad assurances of itspeaceful intent, including a comprehensive assurance that the Japanese Governmenthas no intention of using without provocation military force against anyneighboring nation."Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 130, p. 537. Cf.Peace,p. 724. Cf. Apr. 16,supra.)
The Iranian Premier, AliFuranghi, ordered the Army to cease fire. (". . . in pursuance of thepeace‑loving policy of His Majesty, [Iran] is issuing orders to all armedforces of the country to refrain from any resistance so that the causes forbloodshed and disturbance of security shall be removed and public peace andsecurity assured."Times, Aug. 29, 1941, p. 3.)
The Inter-American Financialand Economic Advisory Committee adopted and made effective a plan to useforeign merchant vessels in American ports. (In the interest of Inter-Americancommerce.Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 114, p. 165.)
September 1.President Roosevelt pledged every effort to defeat Germany. (". . . ourfundamental rightsincluding the rights of laborare threatened by Hitler'sviolent attempt to rule the world."Ibid., No. 115, p. 177. Cf.June 20,supra.)
September 2.The United States granted large loan to Mexico. (For cooperation for militaryand economic defense of the hemisphere.Times, Sept. 3, 1941, p. 1. Cf.Mar. 11,supra.)
September 3.The United States negotiated currency stabilization agreements with Mexico,Colombia, and Ecuador. (Economic war against Germany.Ibid., Sept. 4,1941, p. 10.)
President Roosevelt "gavethe Japanese Ambassador replies to the message and the statement received fromthe Ambassador on August 28. In formulating his replies, the President couldnot overlook the attendant circumstances and developments.
Because of these circumstancesand developments, the President and his consultants felt that, to ensure anyhope of the success of a meeting between the President and the Prime Minister,the achievement of a prior meeting of minds on basic principles was a necessarycondition precedent. Hence, the President in replying expressed a 'desire tocollaborate with the Japanese Prime Minister to see whether there could be madeeffective in practice the program referred to by the Japanese Government in itsmessage of August 28 and whether there could be reached a meeting of minds onfundamental principles which would make practical a meeting such as theJapanese Minister had proposed.... At no time,then, or later, did the Government of the United States reject the Japaneseproposal for a meeting; it strove hard to bring about a situation which wouldmake the holding of such a meeting beneficial."Japan, Vol. II, p.347.
September 4.The United States extended lend-lease aid to Poland. (". . . the gallantresistance of the forces of the Government of Poland is `vital to the defenseof the United States.' "Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 115, p. 181. Cf.Mar. 11,supra.)
EVENTS LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
German submarine tried totorpedo American destroyerGreer. ("`. . . en route to Iceland withmail'. . . . She is similar to the fifty ships which were traded to the BritishNavy for leases of naval and air bases in British possessions. She was painteda dark gray like most war vessels. Her flag might, therefore, be the only thingto distinguish her from the ships of her type which are hunting submarines forthe British Navy."Times, Sept. 5, 1941, pp. 1, 4.)
September 6.Japan subscribed to the four principles of President Roosevelt [See April 16,supra]and presented proposals for a basis of discussion (Japan, Vol. II, p.604. Cf. Sept. 3,supra. "The Prime Minister hopes that as a resultof the commitments which the Japanese Government is prepared to assume . . . arational basis has been established for a meeting between the President andhimself."Peace, pp. 733, 735 f.)
September 9.Iran accepted British-Russian armistice terms. (Times, Sept. 10, 1941,p. 8. Cf. Aug. 25,supra.)
September 10.Britain furnished memorandum on policy of distribution and export of lend-leasematerial. (Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 116, pp. 204 ff.)
Germans imposed martial law onOslo. (Trade unions had planned a general strike.Times, Sept. 11, 1941,p. 1.)
September 11.President Roosevelt submitted report on lend-lease $7,000,000,000 appropriationto Congress. (Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 122, pp. 311 f. Cf. Mar. 27,supra.)
President Roosevelt announcedshoot‑on‑sight order to United States Navy in American defensewaters. (Because of the incidents of the U. S. S.Greer September 4, theS. S.Panaman, and the S. S.Sessca, August 17, and the S. S.SteelSeafarer September 6. "It is the Nazi design to abolish the freedomof the seas and to acquire absolute control and domination of the seas forthemselves.
"For with control of theseas in their own hands, the way can become clear for their nextstepdomination of the United States and the Western Hemisphere by force. . . .
"It is clear to allAmericans that the time has come when the Americas themselves must now be defended.A continuation of attacks in our own waters, or in waters which could be usedfor further and greater attacks on us, will inevitably weaken American abilityto repel Hitlerism. . . .
"This is the time forprevention of attack."Ibid., No. 116, pp. 194-196. Cf.Peace,pp. 739, 742.)
Russia warned Bulgaria againstallowing its territory to be used as a basis of attack by Germany and Italy.(". . . the attitude and actions of the Bulgarian Government in relationto the Soviet Union are disloyal and do not correspond to the attitude andactivity of a State maintaining normal relations with the Soviet Union."Times,Sept. 12, 1941, p. 10.)
September 13.Iran ordered departure of Axis diplomats. (Per agreement of September 9,supra.Ibid., Sept. 14, 1941, p. 14.)
298 EVENTSLEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
September 16.Syria was proclaimed an independent nation. ("Free France acting inagreement with her ally, Great Britain, has undertaken to terminate the mandateand grant Syria the status of an independent sovereign State and to guaranteethe new State by treaty."Ibid., Sept., 17, 1941, p. 3. Cf. Sept.9, 1936,supra.)
Riza Shah Pahlevi of Iranabdicated. (At approach of British and Russian forces near his capital.Ibid.,p. 1.)
September 22.Britain demanded Finland end war with Russia. (To avoid being regarded asbelligerent enemy.Ibid., Sept. 24, 1941, p. 1. Cf. June 25,supra.)
The United States removedembargo on export of arms to Cuba. (". . . the conditions ,in Cuba whichprompted the issuance of the proclamation of June 29, 1934, have ceased toexist, . . ."Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 118, p. 236.)
September 23.Japan again urged meeting between President Roosevelt and Premier Konoye.(". . . the holding of a meeting such as suggested would be of great valuein counteracting the influence of the pro-Axis elements in the JapaneseGovernment and in providing support for those elements desiring peacefulrelations with the United States."Peace, p. 746. Cf. Aug. 8 and28,supra.)
September 24.Free French National Council announced. (With political aims: recognition asgovernment in exile.Times, Sept. 24, 1941, p. 5.
"Considering that thesituation resulting from the state of war continues to prevent every meeting andall free expression of the national representation;
"Considering that theConstitution and laws of the French Republic have been and remain violated,throughout the Metropolitan territory and in the Empire as much by the actionof the enemy as by the usurpation of the authorities who collaborate with him;
"Considering that multipleproofs establish that the great majority of the nation, far from accepting aregime imposed by violence and treason, see in the authority of Free France theexpression of its desire and its will;
"Considering that byreason of the growing importance of the territories of the French Empire andthose under French mandate as well as of the French armed forces which ralliedto continue the war at the side of the Allies against the invader of theFatherland, it is important that the authorities of Free France be enabled toexercise, in fact as well as provisionally, the normal attributes of publicpower." [Unofficial translation.] Rice, pp. 152 f.)
September 25.Italy reoccupied demilitarized zone in Croatia. (To secure her Adriatic flank.Times,Sept. 26, 1941, p. 1. Cf. May 18,supra.).
EVENTS LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
September 27.Japan presented a second proposal for resumption of friendly relations. (Cf.May 12, June 21,supra.Peace, p. 746. )
September 28.Nazis declared state of emergency in Bohemia, Moravia. (". . .irresponsible elements in the service of Europe's enemies" had committedacts antagonistic to the Reich, were endeavoring to stir up the people againstGermany.Times, Sept. 29, 1941, p. 1.)
September 29.United States-British missions conferred in Moscow. (To determine Russiandefense needs.Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 124, p. 364.)
Japan a fourth time urgedmeeting with President Roosevelt. (". . . if nothing came of the proposalfor a meeting between the chiefs of our two Governments it might be difficultfor Prince Konoye to retain his position and that Prince Konoye then would belikely to be succeeded by a less moderate leader."Peace, pp. 751ff . Cf. Aug. 8, Aug. 28, Sept. 24,supra.)
October 1.British-American Mission decided to grant Russian requests for matériel.("The Soviet Government is supplying Great Britain and the United Stateswith large quantities of raw materials which are urgently needed by thosecountries.... it is the determination of thethree Governments to establish, after the final destruction of Nazi tyranny, apeace which will give all countries an opportunity to live in security on theirown territory without knowing either fear or want."Bulletin, Vol.V, No. 124, p. 365.)
Secretary Knox spoke in behalfof freedom of the seas. ("There can be provided no rule of law in theworld, unless the great highways of the nations, the lanes of the seven seas,are controlled by powers which are peace‑minded, justice‑loving,and lacking in any, desire for, selfish aggrandizement. In the pursuit of theseobjectives there must be a disinterested purpose to keep the highways of thesea free from bandits. And in the pursuit of such an ideal we must not losesight of, nor neglect, a proper and legitimate devotion to American security.
"Our safety and ourprosperity in the world of the future lies in a stern insistence upon theprinciple of the freedom of the seas, the assurance of equal opportunity forworld trade; and the proviso that sea power shall not be made the instrumentof selfish aggression. . . . This freedom of the seas, which means freecommercial intercourse between nations in times of peace and the ability, ofthe scattered democracies of the world to aid ‑each other in time of war,is absolutely essential to the survival of democracy in a world where, foryears to come, autocracy may challenge its existence."Times, Oct.2, 1941, p. 4.)
October 2.The United States asked clarification of Japan's intentions on troop withdrawalfrom China and French Indochina and steps Japan proposed to take to meet thedifficulties arising out of the European war. ("It is believed that a.clear‑cut manifestation of Japan's intention . . . would be most helpfulin making
300 EVENTSLEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
knownin particular to those who might be inclined tobe criticalJapan's peaceful intentions and Japan's desire to follow courses calculatedto establish a sound basis for future stability and progress in the Pacificarea."Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 130, p. 539. Cf.Peace, p. 760.Cf. Sept. 6,supra.)
October 3.Secretary of State Hull asked Finland whether she would be content with territoryregained or whether she would fight on to aid Germany against Russia and theAllies. ("That question, which is of the greatest importance to my countrywithout contemplating the slightest injustice to Finland and her best interests,relates to the future safety of the United States and of all peaceful countriesin the world; . . . my country is expending and is ready to expend 15 or 25 or40 or 75 billions of dollars to aid in resisting .and suppressing Hitler andHitlerism; . . ."Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 124, p. 363. Cf. Sept. 22,supra.)
October 4.Lend‑lease agreements concluded with Brazil, Dominican Republic, Haiti,Paraguay. (Ibid., No. 122, p. 313.)
October 6.The United States requisitioned eighteen planes bought by Peru. (". . . inthe interests of national defense."Ibid., p. 314. Cf. Aug.15,supra.)
October 7.Finland refused to stop war with Russia. ("Finland wages her defensive warfree from all political obligations, but grateful that she need not fight alonethis time. . . .
"Finland cannot understandhow Great Britain, with whom Finland wished and wishes to retain peacefulrelations, could regard herself, merely because Finland on this occasion is notalone in fighting the Soviet Union, as forced to treat her as an open enemy."Times, Oct. 8, 1941, p. 4.)
October 9.President Roosevelt asked arming of American-flag ships engaged in foreigncommerce. ("Through these years of war, we Americans have never beenneutral in thought. We have never been indifferent to the fate of Hitler's victims.And, increasingly, we have become aware of the peril to ourselves, to ourdemocratic traditions and institutions, to our country, and to our hemisphere.. . . In the Neutrality Act are various crippling provisions. The repeal ormodification of these provisions will not leave the United States any lessneutral than we are today, but will make it possible for us to defend the Americasfar more successfully, and to give aid far more effectively against thetremendous forces now marching towards conquest of the world. . . . Thepractice of arming merchant ships for civilian defense is an old one. . . . Weare faced not with the old type of pirates but with the modern pirates of thesea who travel beneath the surface or on the surface or in the air destroyingdefenseless ships without warning and without provision for the safety of thepassengers and crews. . . . We cannot permit the affirmative defense of ourrights to be annulled and diluted by sections of the Neutrality Act which haveno realism in the light of unscrupulous ambition of madmen."Bulletin,Vol. V, No. 120, pp. 257 ff. Cf.Peace, pp. 762‑765. Cf. Sept. 11,Oct. 1,Supra.)
EVENTS LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
October 13.Secretary of State Hull spoke on behalf of arming American‑flag shipsengaged in foreign trade. ("It is our right to arm our vessels forpurposes of defense. That cannot be questioned . . . since section 6 of theNeutrality, Act was adopted, entirely new conditions have developed. . . . Thenew conditions have been produced by the Hitler movement of world invasion.Hitler is endeavoring to conquer the European and African and other continents,and he therefore is desperately seeking to control the high seas. To this endhe has projected his forces far out into the Atlantic with a policy ofsubmarine lawlessness and terror. This broad movement of conquest, world-widein its objectives, places squarely before the United States the urgent and mostimportant question of self‑defense. . . . The intent of these attacks isto intimidate this country into weakening or abandoning the legitimate defensesof the hemisphere by retreating from the seas. . . . The problem is to set upas swiftly as possible the most effective means of self‑defense. Theprinciple is that the first duty of an independent nation is to safeguard itsown security. . . ."Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 121, pp. 292 f.)
October 16.Manchukuo‑Outer Mongolian border talks concluded at Harbin. (Assisted byRussian and Japanese advisers.Times, Nov. 3, 1941, p. 6.)
October 17.U. S. S.Kearney was attacked. (Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 123, p.341.)
October 18.General Hideki Tojo became Prime Minister of Japan: (Prince Konoye's Governmentresigned. Oct. 16.Japan, Vol.II, p. 689 n. "The Secretary's [Hull's] memorandum of October 2 [supra]which had been handed to the Japanese Ambassador in Washington had been a greatdisappointment to the Konoye Cabinet and the impression had been created insidethe Cabinet that the road had been blocked to any hopes that the presentconversations could be successfully concluded. Prince Konoye about a week agohad decided to resign in view of the internal situation in Japan. . . . NoJapanese civilian statesman will undertake the task in which Prince Konoye hasfailed and consequently the succeeding Cabinet must be headed by an Armyofficer and will he composed primarily of military men."Ibid.,p. 690. See also,Ibid., p. 691.)
October 19.Afghanistan consented to ejection of Axis nationals. (British‑Russianrequest.Times, October 20, 1941, p. 4. Cf. Aug. 16,supra.)
October 22.Rumania denounced Vienna pact with Hungary. (To recover ceded portion ofTransylvania.Ibid., Oct. 23, 1941, p. 1. Cf. Aug. 30, 1940,supra.)
October 25.Assistant Secretary Berle spoke on the Nazi plan for a Church of Germany.("It is said that this sort of thing may go on in Europe, but that itcannot affect America. But it so happens that we have long known that the Nazigroup in Germany
302 EVENTSLEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
planned to conquer the entire world. It is not easyfor Americans to realize that any group of people could seriously undertakeworld conquest, or that by any possibility they could carry it out.
"Yet, the fact is thatthey have planned it; and it is known to everyone who has had any contact withGerman affairs.
"The fact also is thatthey probably can carry it out unless there is resolute determination on thepart of the remaining free nations to stop that conquest:"Bulletin,Vol. V, No. 123, p. 349.)
October 27.President Roosevelt spoke of Nazi designs on South America and all religions.("This map makes clear the Nazi design not only against South America butagainst the United States itself. . . . All of us Americans, of all opinions,are faced with the choice between the kind of world we want to live in and thekind of world which Hitler and his hordes would impose upon us."Bulletin,Vol. V, No. 123, p. 342.Peace, pp. 769 f.)
October 30.President Roosevelt offered Russia $1,000,000,000 credit without interestpayments, the return to begin five years after the war's end and to becompleted in a ten‑year period. ("In an effort to obviate anyfinancial difficulties immediate arrangements are to be made so that suppliesup to one billion dollars in value may be effected under the Lend‑LeaseAct."Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 124, p. 365.)
November 1.The United States pledged aid for reconstruction of devastated and occupiedcountries and for international economic rehabilitation. (Relief of human needsoffered little room for differences.Times, November 2, 1941, p. 33.)
November 3.Ambassador Grew warned the United. States that Japan might "resort withdangerous and dramatic suddenness to measures which might make inevitable warwith the United States." (". . . underestimating Japan's obviouspreparations to implement a program in the event the alternative peace programfails, would be short‑sighted. Similarly it would be short‑sightedfor American policy to be based upon the belief that Japanese preparations areno more than saber rattling, merely intended to give moral support to the highpressure diplomacy of Japan."Peace, p. 775.)
November 4.Czechoslovakia, Greece, Poland, and Yugoslavia concluded an agreement for apost‑war bloc. (To create a buffer against Germany and facilitatereconstruction as part of international economic rehabilitation.Times,Nov. 4, 1941, p. 15.)
November 6.President Roosevelt told the International Labor Organization that the UnitedStates had begun post‑war planning. (". . . to achieve permanentcuresto help establish a sounder life.
"To attain these goalswill be no easy task. Yes; their fulfillment will require `the fullestcooperation between all nations in the economic field.' We have learned toowell that social
EVENTS LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
problems and economic problems are not separatewatertight compartments in the international any more than in the national sphere.In international as in national affairs, economic policy can no longer be anend in itself. It is merely a means for achieving social objectives.
"There must be no place inthe post‑war world for special privilege for either individuals ornations."Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 124, pp. 359 f. Cf. Jan. 6,supra.)
November 7.Secretary of State Hull warned the United States Cabinet that relations withJapan were extremely critical. (Cf. Nov. 3,supra.Peace, p.136.)
November 10.Prime Minister Churchill again promised British declaration of war with Japan"within the hour" should America become so involved. (". . .every preparation to defend British interests in the Far East and to defend thecommon cause now at stake has been and is being made."Times, Nov.11, 1941, p. 4. Cf. Aug. 24,supra.)
November 12.Finland again rejected the United States suggestions that she make peace withRussia.Ibid., Nov. 13, 1941, p. 2. Cf. Oct. 3, 7,supra.)
November 13.President Roosevelt and Secretary of State Hull urged repeal of sections 2, 3,and 6 of the Neutrality Act. (". . . the effect of failure [to repeal] . .. Our own position in the struggle against aggression would be definitelyweakened, not only in Europe and in Asia, but also among our sister republicsin the Americas."Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 125, p. 379. "It is my[Hull's] judgment that in the light of existing conditions the passage of thisbill is absolutely essential to our national defense. These conditions arecompletely different from those existing at the time the Neutrality Act waspassed; they present an entirely new problem of danger and of methods fordealing with it."Ibid., p. 380.)
November 17.Foreign Minister Shigenori Togo said an amicable conclusion of Japan'snegotiations with the United States was by no means impossible (". . . ifthe Government of the United States are, on the one hand, as genuinelysolicitous for world peace as are the Imperial Government, and on the otherunderstand Japan's natural requirements and her position in East Asia andconsider the situation as it exists there in the light of realities."Times,November 17, 1941, p. 6); but Japan would face any threat to its empire orcompromise of its prestige with firm resolve. (". . . there is naturally alimit to our conciliatory attitude."Ibid., p. 6.)
Ambassador Kurusu toldPresident Roosevelt Germany had not requested Japan to fight. (". . . shewas serving a desirable purpose without doing so, . . ."Peace, p.790.)
Sections 2, 3, and 6 of theNeutrality Act of 1939 repealed by Public Law 294. (Bulletin, Vol. V ,No. 125, p. 379. Cf.Peace, p.787.)
304 EVENTSLEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
Ambassador Grew warned theUnited States of the inability of the Embassy to warn of Japanese attack. ("Itake into account the probability of the Japanese exploiting every possibletactical advantage, such as surprise and initiative."Ibid.,p. 788. Cf. Nov. 3,supra.)
November 18.Special emissary Kurusu intimated Japan might do something to"outshine" the Axis Pact. (". . . he could not say that Japanwould abrogate the Tripartite Pact . . . he desired to emphasize that Japanwould not be a cat's-paw for Germany, that Japan's purpose in entering into theTripartite alliance was to use it for Japan's own purposes, that Japan enteredthe Tripartite Pact because Japan felt isolated."Ibid., pp.794, 796.)
November 19.United States‑Mexican agreement on expropriation, of March 17, 1938,supra,signed. (". . . with reference to compensating the nationals of theUnited States of America whose properties, rights, or interests in thepetroleum industry in the United Mexican States were affected by acts ofexpropriation or otherwise by the Government of Mexico subsequent to March 17,1938."Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 126, p. 401. ". . . desirous offinding practical solutions for a number of problems of mutual interest, . .."Ibid., p. 400. Cf.Times, Nov. 20, 1941, p. 4. Cf.Nov. 12, 1938,supra.)
November 20.New Japanese proposals given to the United States. (In answer to United Statesnote of Oct. 2,supra.Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 130, p. 540. Cf.President's message,Ibid., p. 533. Cf.Peace, pp. 800 f.The Japanese Ambassador said Japan had "never pledged itself to a policyof expansion.")
November 2l.The United States agreed to pay Iceland for fish and oil sent to Britain.(British lend‑lease aid.Times, Nov. 22, 1941, p. 1.)
November 22.Secretary of State Hull told Japan there might be relaxation of freezing.(Secretary of State Hall "said that he had called in the representativesof certain other governments concerned in the Pacific area and that there hadbeen a discussion of the question of whether things (meaning Japanese peacefulpledges, et cetera) could be developed in such a way . . . these representativeswere interested in the suggestion and there was a general feeling that thematter could all be settled if the Japanese could give us some satisfactoryevidences that their intentions were peaceful."Peace, pp. 802ff.)
November 24.The United States occupied Dutch Guiana [Surinam] in agreement with TheNetherlands and Brazil. ("The bauxite mines in Surinam furnish upwards of60 percent of the requirements of the United States aluminum industry, whichis vital to the defense of the United States, the Western Hemisphere, and thenations actively resisting aggression."Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 127,p. 425. Cf. May 9, 11, 1940,supra.)
EVENTS LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
The United States revokedexport licenses to French North Africa, Spain, and Tangier. (To induce Franceto refuse open collaboration with Germany.Times, Nov. 25, 1941, p. 1.)
The United States granted lend‑leaseaid to Free France. ("For the purposes of implementing the authorityconferred upon you as Lend‑Lease Administrator by Executive Order No.8926, dated Oct. 28, 1941, and in order to enable you to arrange for lend‑leaseaid to the French Volunteer Forces (Free French) by way of retransfer from HisMajesty's Government in the United Kingdom or their allies, I hereby find thatthe defense of any French territory under the control of the French VolunteerForces (Free French) is vital to the defense of the United States."Ibid.,p. 1.)
November 26.Anti‑Comintern Pact of Nov. 25, 1936, renewed for five years by Germany, Japan,Italy, Hungary, Spain, Manchukuo, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Finland,Rumania, Slovakia, and Nanking regime in China. (". . . used by Hitlersolely as an instrument to wage a war of conquest and domination against freepeoples, . . ."Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 127, pp. 434 f. ". . .recognizing that international agreements made by them to ward off activity ofthe Communist International have proved themselves in the best possible mannerand, in the conviction that united interest of their countries further demandtheir close cooperation against a common enemy, . . ."Times, Nov.26, 1941, p. 12.)
Secretary of State Hull warnedUnited States Army and Navy officials of imminent Japanese surprise attack.("There was practically no possibility of an agreement being achieved withJapan."Peace, p. 144. Cf. Nov. 7, 17,supra.)
November 26.The independence of Lebanon was proclaimed. (By Free French.Times, Nov.27, 1941, p. 11. Cf. Nov. 13, 1936, Sept. 16,supra.)
The United States offered aplan of a broad but simple settlement covering the entire Pacific area as acounter proposal to Japan. ("The proposals which were presented by theJapanese Ambassador on November 20 contain some features which, in the opinionof this Government, conflict with the fundamental principles which form a partof the general settlement under consideration and to which each Government hasdeclared that it is committed. The Government of the United States believesthat the adoption of such proposals would not be likely to contribute to theultimate objectives of insuring peace under law, order, and justice in thePacific area, and it suggests that further effort be made to resolve ourdivergences of views in regard to the practical application of the fundamentalprinciples already mentioned."Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 129, p. 462.Cf.Peace, p. 813: Mr. Kurusu said this was tantamount to end ofnegotiations. "When they reported our answer to their Government it wouldbe likely to throw up its hands."Ibid., p. 808.)
306 EVENTSLEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
November 28.Secretary of State Hull told Finland he was not sure to what extent"Finnish policy is a menace to all America's aims for self‑defense."(". . . every act of the Finnish Government since the delivery of its notehas confirmed our apprehensions that it is fully cooperating with the Hitlerforces."Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 127, pp. 434 f.)
Secretary of State Hull againwarned United States officials of imminent Japanese attack. (Cf. Nov. 25,supra.Peace, p. 144.)
November 29.Premier Tojo said American and British exploitation of Asiatic peoples must bepurged with vengeance. ("Nothing can be permitted to interfere with thissphere because this sphere was decreed by Providence."Times, Nov.30, 1941, p. 1. Cf. Nov. 3, 1938,supra.)
The United States warnedBritain of impending Japanese attack. (". . . the diplomatic part of ourrelations with Japan was virtually over . . ."Peace, p. 816.)
Finland incorporated militarygains from Russia restoring former border. ("Our security can be achievedonly by territorial means. The only hope for us is in moving the frontierseastward.
"The only way to solve theproblem of Eastern Karelia is to keep it occupied by Finnish troops."Times,Nov. 30, 1941, p. 35.)
December 1.Marshal Pétain and General Goering reaffirmed Franco-German collaboration atSt. Florentin. (France gave Germany naval and air bases in North Africa forrelease of war prisoners and reduction of occupation costs.Ibid.,Dec. 5, 1941, p. 1.)
Ambassador Kurusu said theJapanese felt they must surrender or fight the United States. (". . . theJapanese people believe that the United States wants to keep Japan fightingwith China and to keep Japan strangled."Peace, p. 822.)
December 2.The United States asked Japan for reasons for increasing its forces inIndochina. ("It was my clear understanding that by the terms of theagreementand there is no present need to discuss the nature of thatagreementbetween Japan and the French Government at Vichy that the totalnumber of Japanese forces permitted by the terms of that agreement to bestationed in Indochina was very considerably less than the total amount of theforces already there.
"The stationing of theseincreased Japanese forces in Indochina would seem to imply the utilization ofthese forces by Japan for purposes of further aggression, since no such numberof forces could possibly be required for the policing of that region. . . .because of the broad problem of American defense. I should like to know theintention of the Japanese Government." [President Roosevelt in notehanded to Japanese envoys by Under Secretary Welles.]Peace, p. 823 f.)Bulletin,Vol. V, No. 130, pp. 540 f.
Japanese Cabinet wasreorganized. (Because of "the deteriorating internationalsituation."Times, Dec. 3, 1941, p. 4.)
EVENTS LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
December 5.Japanese reply to query of Dec. 2: Troop movements in French Indochina wereprecautionary measures. ("As Chinese troops have recently shown frequentsigns of movements along the northern frontier of French Indochina bordering onChina, . . ." Cf. ". . . the Japanese troops . . . have beenreinforced . . ."Peace, p. 828.)
December 6.President Roosevelt sent message to the Japanese Emperor asking troopwithdrawal from French Indochina. ("Developments are occurring in thePacific area which threaten to deprive each of our nations and all humanity ofthe beneficial influence of the long peace between our two countries. . . .During the past few weeks it has become clear to the world that Japanesemilitary, naval, and air forces have been sent to Southern Indochina in suchlarge numbers as to create a reasonable doubt on the part of other nations thatthis continuing concentration in Indochina is not defensive in its character. .. the people of the Philippines, of the hundreds of Islands of the East Indies,of Malaya, and of Thailand itself are asking themselves whether these forces ofJapan are preparing or intending to make attack in one or more of these manydirections. . . . It is clear that a continuance of such a situation isunthinkable."Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 129, p. 465. Cf.Peace,pp. 829 f.)
Britain declared war onFinland, Hungary, and Rumania. ("No satisfactory replies having beenreceived from the Finnish, Hungarian, and Rumanian Governments to notesaddressed to them last week," as to ending wars with Russia.Times,December 6, 1941, p.1. "The Finnish Government's reply showed nodisposition to respond to this overture nor have they ceased to pursueaggressive military operations on territory of the Union of Soviet SocialistRepublics, an ally of Great Britain, in the closest collaboration with Germany.
"The Finnish Governmenthave sought to contend that their war against Soviet Russia does not involveparticipation in the general European war. This contention His Majesty'sGovernment find it impossible to accept."Ibid., Dec. 7,1941, p. 19.
"The Hungarian [Rumanian],Government have for many months been pursuing aggressive military operations onterritory of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, an ally of Great Britain,in the closest collaboration with Germany, thus participating in the generalEuropean war and making substantial contribution to the German wareffort."Ibid., p. 19.)
Australia, Britain, theNetherlands Indies, and the United States completed defensive precautionarymeasures. (In event of a Pacific conflict.Ibid., p. 1.)
The United States signed lend‑leaseagreement with Bolivia. (Ibid., p. 47.)
December 7.Japan attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, at 1:20 p. m.[Washington time] and also occupied the International Settlement at Shanghai. (Bulletin,Vol. V, No. 129, p. 474.)
Japanese reply rejecting UnitedStates note of Nov. 26 was subsequently delivered to Secretary Hull at 2:15 p.m. [Washington time]. ("Obviously it is the intention of the American
308 EVENTSLEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
Government to conspire with Great Britain and othercountries to obstruct Japan's efforts toward the establishment of peace throughthe creation of a new order in East Asia, and especially to preserve Anglo‑Americanrights and interests by keeping Japan and China at war. This intention has beenrevealed clearly during the course of the present negotiation. Thus, theearnest hope of the Japanese Government to adjust Japanese-American relationsand to preserve and promote the peace of the Pacific through cooperation withthe American Government has finally been lost."Ibid., p.470. Cf.Peace, p. 838.)
"As soon as Secretary Hullhad finished reading this note he turned to the Japanese Ambassador and said:
" `I must say that in allmy conversations with you (the Japanese Ambassador) during the last nine monthsI have never uttered one word of untruth. This is borne out absolutely by therecord. In all my fifty years of public service I have never seen a documentthat was more crowded with infamous falsehoods and distortions‑infamousfalsehoods and distortions on a scale so huge that I never imagined until todaythat any Government on this planet was capable of uttering them.' "Japan,
December 8.Declaration of war by The Netherlands and The Netherlands East Indies againstJapan. ("In view of Japan's aggression against two powers with whom TheNetherlands maintain particularly close relations, aggression directlythreatening vital Netherlands interests . . "Bulletin, Vol. V, No.130, pp. 558 f.)
Canada declared war on Japan. (Ibid.,p. 558.)
Britain declared war againstJapan. ("On the evening of December 7th His Majesty's Government in theUnited Kingdom learned that the Japanese forces, without a previous warningeither in the form of a declaration of war or of an ultimatum with aconditional declaration of war, had attempted a landing on the coast of Malayaand had bombed Singapore and Hong Kong.
"In view of these wantonacts of unprovoked aggression, committed in flagrant violation of internationallaw and particularly of Article I of the Third Hague Convention relative to theopening of hostilities, to which both Japan and the United Kingdom are parties,. . ."Commons, Vol. 376, col. 1358.)
The United States declared astate of war with Japan. ("Whereas the Imperial Government of Japan hascommitted unprovoked acts of war against the Government and the people of theUnited States of America: Therefore be itResolvedbytheSenateandHouseofRepresentativesoftheUnitedStatesofAmericainCongressassembled,That the state of war between the United States and the Imperial Government ofJapan which has thus been thrust upon the United States is hereby formallydeclared; and the President is hereby authorized and directed to employ theentire naval and military forces of the United States and the resources of theGovernment to carryon war against the Imperial Government of Japan; and, tobring the conflict to a successful termination, all of the resources of thecountry are hereby pledged by, the Congress of the United States. Approved,December 8, 1941, 4:10 p. m., E. S. T." 55 Stat. pt. I, p. 795.)
EVENT LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
Japan invaded Thailand whichcapitulated. (Times, Dec. 9, 1941, p. 1.)
Colombia broke diplomaticrelations with Japan. ("The aggression which took place yesterday by thearmed forces of the Japanese Empire against the United States constitutes thecase clearly foreseen in Resolution Number Fifteen approved at the SecondMeeting of Foreign Ministers at Habana on `reciprocal assistance and defensivecooperation of the American nations' by which it is declared that `everyattempt of a non‑American State against the integrity or inviolability ofterritory, against the sovereignty or political independence of an AmericanState will be considered as an act of aggression against the States which signthis declaration.' "Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 129, p. 489.)
Costa Rica declared war onJapan. (". . . because of unexpected and extraordinary aggression ofwhich your country has been the object on the part of Japan while negotiationsfor peace were going on between the two nations and in accordance with theprinciples of solidarity and defense of this hemisphere declared in variousagreements [between the] American republics . . ." Ibid, p. 490.)
The Dominican Republic declaredwar on Japan. (". . . faithful to the noble principles which inspire itsforeign policy . . . in order that it may be unified with the great Americanpeople in the defense of the sacred ideals of liberty and democracy which theyso brilliantly support."Ibid., p. 492.)
El Salvador declared war onJapan. ("The Japanese attack on Hawaii and Manila is considered by me[President Martinez] contrary to the principle of law and treatment which isdue a country with which Japan was at peace and is absolutely unjustified."Ibid., p. 493.)
Guatemala declared war onJapan. (". . . thus expressing solidarity of Guatemalan Government andpeople with the United States of America with which indestructible bonds ofloyal friendship unite Guatemala."Ibid., p. 494.)
Haiti declared war on Japan.("In view of the unjustifiable aggression of the Japanese Governmentagainst American possessions in the Pacific the Republic of Haiti, faithful toits policy of friendship and complete understanding with the United States ofAmerica and in accord with the Pan‑American doctrines of continentalsolidarity, has placed itself alongside of the sister republic in declaring waragainst the Japanese Empire."Ibid., p. 495.)
Honduras declared war on Japan.(Ibid., p. 496.)
Panama declared war on Japan.(By resolution of National Assembly.Ibid., p. 500.)
Union of South Africa, NewZealand, Australia, Free France declared war on Japan. (Ibid., p.559.)
December 9.Cuba declared war on Japan. ("We consider that this aggression by a non‑Americanstate against the integrity and inviolability of an American state is such acase as is contemplated in declaration No. 15 of the Conference of Habana, byvirtue of which all the nations of this continent should likewise considerthemselves attacked in the same way and should act jointly."Ibid.,pp. 491 f.)
310 EVENTSLEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
China declared war on Japan("Japan's national policy has always aimed at the domination of Asia andthe mastery of the Pacific. For more than four years, China has resolutelyresisted Japan's aggression regardless of suffering and sacrifice in order notonly to maintain her national independence and freedom, but also to upholdinternational law and justice and to promote world peace and human happiness.
"China is a peace‑lovingnation. In taking up arms in self-defense, China entertained the hope thatJapan might yet realize the futility of her plan of conquest. Throughout thestruggle all other powers have shown utmost forbearance likewise in the hopethat Japan might one day repent and mend her ways in the interest of peace inthe entire Pacific region.
"Unfortunately Japan'saggressive propensities have proven to be incorrigible. After a long andfruitless attempt to conquer China, Japan, far from showing any sign ofpenitence, has treacherously launched an attack on China's friends, the UnitedStates of America and Great Britain, thus extending the theatre of aggressiveactivities and making herself an arch enemy of Justice and World Peace. Thislatest act of aggression on the part of Japan lays bare her insatiable ambitionand has created a situation which no nation that believes in international goodfaith and human decency can tolerate."Ibid., pp. 506 f.)and Germany and Italy. ("Since the conclusion of the Tripartite Pact inSeptember 1940, Germany, Italy, and Japan have unmistakably banded themselvesinto a bloc of aggressor states working closely together to carry out theircommon program of world conquest and domination. To demonstrate theirsolidarity Germany and Italy successively accorded recognition to Japan'spuppet regimes in northeast China and Nanking. As a consequence, China severeddiplomatic relations with Germany and Italy last July.
"Now the Axis Powers haveextended the theatre of aggressive activities and have thrown the whole Pacificregion into turmoil making themselves the enemies of international justice andworld civilization. This state of affairs can no longer be tolerated by theChinese Government and people."Ibid., p. 506.)
Mexico broke diplomaticrelations with Japan. ("In accordance with the spirit of the resolutionsadopted at the Second Consultative Meeting held at Habana in July 1940, . .."Ibid., p. 497.)
December 11.Germany and Italy declared a state of war with the United States. ("TheGovernment of the United States having violated in the most flagrant manner andin ever increasing measure all rules of neutrality in favor of the adversariesof Germany and having continually been guilty of the most severe provocationstoward Germany ever since .the outbreak of the European war, provoked by theBritish declaration of war against Germany on September 3, 1939, has finallyresorted to open military acts of aggression.
"On September 11, 1941,the President of the United States publicly declared that he had ordered theAmerican Navy and Air Force to shoot on sight at any German war vessel. In his
EVENTS LEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
speech of October 27, 1941, he once more expresslyaffirmed that this order was in force. Acting under this order, vessels of theAmerican Navy, since early September 1941, have systematically attacked Germannaval forces: Thus, American destroyers, as for instance theGreer, theKearney,and theReubenJames, have opened fire on German submarinesaccording to plan. The Secretary of the American Navy, Mr. Knox, himselfconfirmed that American destroyers attacked German submarines.
"Furthermore, the navalforces of the United States, under order of their Government and contrary tointernational law have treated and seized German merchant vessels on the highseas as enemy ships.
"The German Governmenttherefore establishes the following facts:
"Although Germany on herpart has strictly adhered to the rules of international law in her relationswith the United States during every period of the present war, the Governmentof the United States from initial violations of neutrality has finally proceededto open acts of war against Germany. The Government of the United States hasthereby virtually created a state of war.
"The German Government;consequently, discontinues diplomatic relations with the United States ofAmerica and declares that under these circumstances brought about by PresidentRoosevelt Germany too, as from today, considers herself as being in a state ofwar with the United States of America."Ibid., pp. 481 f.)
The United States declared in ajoint resolution a state of war with Germany and Italy. ("On the morningof December eleventh, the Government of Germany, pursuing its course of worldconquest, declared war against the Unite States. The long known and the longexpected has thus taken place. The forces endeavoring to enslave the entireworld now are moving towards this hemisphere. Never before has there been agreater challenge to life, liberty, and civilization. Delay invites greaterdanger. Rapid and united effort by all of the peoples of the world who aredetermined to remain free will insure a world victory of the forces of justiceand of righteousness over the forces of savagery and of barbarism. Italy alsohas declared war against the United States. I therefore request the Congress torecognize a state of war between the United States and Germany, and between theUnited States and Italy." President Roosevelt's message to Congress,Peace,pp 848‑849.)
Hungary broke diplomaticrelations with the United States. "The Hungarian Prime Minister informedthe American minister that in view of the solidarity of Central Europeanstates, which he compared with the solidarity of the republics of the WesternHemisphere, Hungary was obliged to break diplomatic relations with the UnitedStates. . . ."Bulletin, Vol. V., No. 129, p. 482.)
Poland declared war with Japan.(Ibid., p. 507.)
Nicaragua declared war onJapan. ("The world already knows of the violent and unjustified aggressionon the part of Japan of which the United States of America has been the object.Before this latest attack Nicaragua cannot remain indifferent, linked as
312 EVENTSLEADING UP TO WORLD WAR II
it is with the nation of the north and with each ofthe sister republics of the Western Hemisphere not only by ties of geographicsolidarity and of sincere democratic ideology but also by various declarationsand Pan American conventions signed in Lima, Panama, and Habana which inthemselves create an immediate obligation. In consequence my government findsitself under the necessity of considering Nicaragua in a state of wardehecho with Japan pending the legal declaration of such status by theNational Congress in accordance with the principles contained in our.political constitution, and this attitude, which I assume in solidarity withthe nations of the American continent in addition to representing my owndemocratic convictions, faithfully interprets the sentiments of the Nicaraguanpeople who have already made them clear in public and spontaneous form."Ibid.,p. 499.)
Cuba, Dominican Republic, CostaRica, Guatemala, Nicaragua declared war with Germany and Italy. (Ibid.,pp. 492, 547, 550, 560.)
Mexico broke diplomaticrelations with Germany and Italy. (Ibid., p. 548.)
December 12.Haiti, Honduras, Panama declared war on Germany and Italy. (Ibid.,p. 560.)
Rumania declared war with theUnited States. (Ibid., p. 561.)
December 13.El Salvador declared war on Germany and Italy. (Ibid., p. 560.)
Bulgaria declared war on theUnited States ("in accordance with article 3 of the Tripartite pact."Ibid., p. 561) as did Hungary. (Ibid., p. 561.)
December 16.Czechoslovakia declared war on all countries at war with Great Britain, Russia,or the United States: (Ibid., p. 561.)
December 17.Albania reported declared war on the United States. (Ibid., p.561.)
December 20.Nicaragua declared war on Rumania, Hungary, Bulgaria. (Ibid., No. 131,p. 584.)
December 23.Mexico broke off relations with Bulgaria, Hungary, and Rumania. (". . .for reasons connected with continental solidarity . . ." (Ibid.,p. 584.)