No. 560

FROM:  Tokyo                                                                                    June 3, 1941

TO:  Nanking, Shanghai, Tientsin, Peking and Hsinking                      # 1175.

(Circular). Message from Berlin # 619 on May 30th.

(Part 4 of 4).

5. The German people in general desire that peace be established. Although this is natural, their confidence in Chancellor HITLER'S plan of achieving victory is growing more and more. They are firm in not slackening up in their (war effort?). It has come about that in their effort to protect their country, the over 10 million men in the regular army and the leaders and members of the Party have become fused into one solid unit.

6. It is seen that at present the Germans are utilizing in this way their excess power. The time and manner of utilizing this and its potentiality is based upon the inclinations of Berlin. The explanation is that Germany is in a much more favorable position now than she was during the last great war when her only allies were Austria and Hungary, at which time she was fighting on all fronts against England, Imperialistic Russia, Italy, the Balkan States, Japan and the United States. If in the event that the United States should enter the war, it is seen that the Atlantic would form an obstacle, if Germany should take England, she would begin the establishment of a New Order in Europe and would signify that this battle of military power would not last long.

The Economic and Military Attachés have assisted in the preparation of this report.

Trans. 6‑9‑41

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No. 561

FROM: Berlin                                                                                      June 4, 1941

TO: Tokyo                                                                                           # 639.

Very urgent.

 Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire

(Part 1 of ?) Part 1 only available.

There follows the gist of a conversation I have had with Chancellor HITLER:

1. First of all, the Chancellor expressed confidence in a complete victory in this war and then went on to state with conviction that the Reichswehr has gradually made many improvements in organization, preparations, artillery and ordnance through experience and instruction since the beginning of the war, and since the war in western Yugoslavia ended two months ago, preparations have been completely finished. He was particular to say that he had the greatest confidence in the power of leadership of all his leaders from the highest to the lowest as well as in the bravery of his troops, and then declared that the losses of the German Army so far have been surprisingly small, death casualties not exceeding in general 10% of ordinary mortality figures within the Reich itself. He said, "For the dead and for their bereaved families, I have the deepest sympathy, but at last the time had come when Germany had no alternative but to move, and this extent of sacrifice was inevitable. After all, our sacrifices now are relatively small, but I am absolutely certain that had we waited 5 or 10 years, the sacrifice would have been infinitely greater."

2. HITLER said, "The seizure of Crete was accomplished entirely by aerial tactics, which is a new strategy. In this struggle we sunk 8 battleships and took 12,000 prisoners. Now we have come to the point where we can and will bomb Alexandria. Well, I can tell you one thing for sure. I am absolutely determined to bring England to absolute annihilation. Look at the way England acts! She is devilishly cunning at heart. She is first, last, and always a schemer thinking only of her own good. In 1935, during the Ethiopian war, the British Government invited me to join them in clamping down on Italy, but I knew perfectly well that as soon as Italy was overthrown we Germans would be next, so I immediately joined up with the Italians. Now the thing for us Japanese, Germans and Italians to do is to continue more and more to strengthen the ties which bind us because in my heart I know that it will be to our mutual advantage. Yesterday MUSSOLINI told me exactly the same thing."

Note: OSIMA tells of conversations with HITLER and RIBBENTROP at Salsburg on June 3rd and 4th, saying details will be sent in separate wire.

Trans. 6‑6‑41

No. 562

FROM: Berlin (Osima)                                                                         June 6, 1941

TO: Tokyo                                                                                           # 643.

When I talked with Foreign Minister Ribbentrop on the 4th, he stated that there were not a few editorials and articles appearing in Japanese newspapers reflecting moves to divorce Japan and Germany. He showed me the article contained in my # 520 [a] and other editorials and articles and asked me to see that more attention was paid to this sort of thing. I replied that we differ from Germany in this respect, and do not exercise control over the press, and

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that although I did not think the Imperial Government would do anything about it, I would transmit his statement thereto.

[a] See II, 562A in which Germany complains about unfriendly articles appearing in Japanese newspapers.

Trans. 6‑7‑41

No. 562A

FROM:  Berlin (Osima)                                                                        May 12, 1941

TO:  Tokyo                                                                                          # 630.

1. DNA and other agencies, without giving details, send in articles and editorials appearing in our newspapers and the German authorities are becoming rather alarmed. Every time they receive something which displeases them because they consider it disadvantageous or delicate, referring to German‑Soviet relations (for example, the article published by the Neoshi on May 5th and the article about Iraq in the Lakrumin of the 3rd), they come to me and complain. Well, all I can do is explain to them the difference between our way of doing things and the German way of doing things as far as the press is concerned. http://members.greenpeace.org/blog/purposeforporpoise

2. Through a most rigorous control of the press, Germany suppresses all reports unfavorable to Japan. Not only that but she follows a policy of treating everything concerning Russia with silent contempt and the tendency is to make as little reference thereto as possible. When STALIN assumed the Premiership of the Soviet, you would be surprised at what tiny reports appeared in the German papers concerning this.

3. Please take note of the above facts and see that the press is given better guidance hereafter.

Trans. 5‑21‑41

No. 563

FROM:  Rome                                                                                     June 6, 1941

TO:  Tokyo                                                                                          # 356.

(Part 2 of 2.) [a]

Strictly Secret.

3. I: "Well, it seems to me that it is necessary to divest Syria and Iraq of British influence and for Germany and Italy to get the oil and raw materials in those areas in their own hands. It is being said that Bagdad has been occupied by the British Army. Do Germany and Italy intend to let things drift along in that area for the time being?"

CIANO: "No reports concerning the war in those quarters have come to my hands, so right now I can make you no answer."

4. I: "You know I have been hearing lately that relations between Berlin and Moscow are not so good. What do you know about it?"

CIANO: "Well, I know for a fact that they are not quite so friendly as they once were, but the actual strength of the Soviet is by far less than that of Germany. STALIN knows that well enough, and consequently he will in all probability compromise and there is not likely to be any fighting."

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5. I: "What do you think of ROOSEVELT's recent speech?"

CIANO: "MUSSOLINI has been studying it very closely. We cannot tell how this speech will be put into practice from now on. All we can do is wait and see."

6. 1: "What was said at the BRENNER conference?"

CIANO: "Well, it concerned political and military generalities. Really there is not much I can tell you about it. You know, Croatia is about to enter the Tripartite Pact, and I understand the Protocol will be signed in Venice on the 14th."

Relayed to Berlin and Moscow.

[a] See II, 568 for Part 1.

Trans. 6‑7‑41

No. 564

FROM: Rome                                                                                      June 6, 1941

TO: Tokyo                                                                                           No number.

Today, the 4th, ANDO [a] had an interview with PRUNAS [b] and asked with what object BŌSU [c] was here in Rome. PRUNAS replied, "BŌSU wishes to stir up a revolution in India with the assistance of Germany, Italy and Japan, and he wishes to make Europe the headquarters for this revolution. He wishes to talk to various officials of ours. That is why he is here. As yet, however, he has not conferred with Premier MUSSOLINI or Foreign Minister CIANO. In the meantime, he is interviewing our high officials and before long the attitude of the Italian Government should become clear. This fellow, BŌSU, is quite a character. However, we are not quite sure whether he could be used as the central figure in a revolution in India." ANDO then replied, "Well, I would like to meet the man and talk personally with him. What do you say?" PRUNAS replied, "Why, certainly! Go ahead!", thereupon giving ANDO his assumed name and his address. When ANDO confers with BŌSU, if there are any points concerning any Hindu revolutionaries in Japan which he should have in mind and discuss, please wire me back immediately. Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire

[a] Counselor at Jap Embassy, Rome.

[b] Director General of Transoceania Bureau of Italian Foreign Office.

[c] Kana spelling, BOSE(?).

Trans. 6‑7‑41

No. 565

FROM: Tokyo                                                                                     June 9, 1941

TO: Rome                                                                                            # 150.

Regarding the last part of your message of June 6th. [a]

(1) The FUOAUADO BUROKU [b], which is led by BOSU [c], has, recently, completely broken away from the Congress Party. Its stronghold is in "BO's"*** native province of Bengal and is said to have a membership of 1,000,000.

Since the Congress Party under Gandhi is taking the illogical and unrealistic stand of opposing the active participation in the war by East Indians, the F. B. [b]  can be considered the only truly anti‑British group.

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(2) Although there is a Japanese branch of the Congress Party organized by resident Indians, it is doubtful whether it has any direct dealing with the main party in India. Others, here, are the type that go no further than to talk against England and there is no one that will be influential in India.

(3) "BO" [c] got in touch with our Ambassador in Berlin during his stay in Germany, and in accordance with his wish we have agreed to handle the liaison between him and his party in India. Therefore, when you meet "BO" [c], please bear the above in mind and do nothing more than listen to what he has to say.

[a] Subhas Bose is in Rome arranging with Axis leaders to set up headquarters for carrying out his plans for revolution in India. The Jap Counsellor is to interview him shortly. See II, 564.

[b] Forward Bloc (?). http://members.greenpeace.org/blog/purposeforporpoise

[c] Subhas Bose, Indian independence advocate. Deported from India. Has been living in Berlin.

Trans. 6‑9‑41

No. 566

FROM:  Lisbon                                                                                    June 4, 1941

TO:  Tokyo                                                                                          # 91.

(Revised Translation)

When I interviewed the German Acting Minister, I inquired as to Germany's attitude toward Portugal in the event of Spain's participation in the Tripartite Alliance. He made the statement that though the entire decision rested with HITLER, he did not believe that Germany would insist upon her participation.

Relayed to Germany and Italy. Have forwarded by mail in code form to Spain.

Trans. 6‑16‑41

No. 567

FROM:  Berlin (Japanese Ambassador)                                               May 22, 1941

TO:  Tokyo                                                                                          # 585.

(Part 1 of 3.)

The following is information given on the 21st to a member of this office by a reliable German; however, inasmuch as it contains not a few points having to do with future plans of Germany, please handle the information with precaution.

1. The German landing of troops on the island of Crete has not yet been made public since it is the custom of the German Government not to publish anything until a certain degree of success has been achieved. Nevertheless, the strategy is being carried out as planned. Although the British forces are at present putting up a stiff resistance, German victory is expected to be announced in two or three days.

2. Although outwardly Turkey gives a different impression, she is in fact getting closer and closer to the Axis. Shipments of arms and ammunition to Iraq have already been carried out through Turkish territory and troops are being sent by air by way of Syria. The air forces dispatched to Syria are of considerable strength. These forces are being used not only for the purpose of giving assistance to Iraq but with the control of the entire Near East in view. It is

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also with a view of making them instrumental in prosecution in the future of a political policy toward India.

3. Since the conclusion of the agreement between Germany and France, both the German and Italian expeditionary forces to Africa are to land at Tunis. Because of this understanding, dispatching of troops has become considerably easier and an attack on the Suez is expected to be carried out from this point through Egypt.

4. Cooperation between Germany and France is being furthered by negotiations being carried on in Paris between ABETZ [a] and DARLAN, on the basis of the conference previously held between HITLER and DARLAN. Discussions have already been completed in regard to freeing of war prisoners, alleviation of French responsibilities in the occupied territories, and the lessening of distinction between the occupied and unoccupied territories. It is expected that in the future questions will be dealt with in such a manner as they would be more favorable to the French. On the agenda have been placed such questions as the return of the Vichy Government to Paris (date indefinite) and supplying food to France (in case France is completely blockaded by Britain and the United States.)

[a] German Ambassador to Vichy.

Trans. 6‑12‑41

 http://members.greenpeace.org/blog/purposeforporpoise

No. 568

FROM: Rome                                                                                      June 6, 1941

TO: Moscow                                                                                        # 356.

(Part 1 of 2.) [a]

Strictly secret.

On the 6th, I called on CIANO and congratulated him on the conquest of Crete, after which our conversation ran as follows:

1. I: "If you launch a real offensive on a major scale, I certainly do not believe it would be very difficult to defeat the British Isles. At least, theoretically speaking, the combined navies of Germany and Italy ought to make possible a successful land invasion. Judging from events so far, it looks at least this should be possible. What do you think about it?" Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire

CIANO: "To be sure, theoretically it is as you say perhaps, but when it comes to facts, it is not quite as simple as you seem to think. Judging from the fleet protecting the British Isles, her Island defenses and her air arm, such as invasion would not be so easy."

2. I: "The fall of Crete must certainly have made a deep impression on the various people in the Near East. I do not think that any time ought to be lost in continuing the fight on to Alexandria and Suez. Do you not think that this is an excellent opportunity?"

CIANO: "It is as you say, and we are now gradually preparing to do that; still, when it begins to get hot, I fear that we are going to find it tough going in the torrid zones of the south."

[a] See II, 563 for Part 2.