FDR SENDS PERSONAL MESSAGE TO EMPEROR HIROHITO
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On December 7, 1941, the Detroit Times reports President Franklin D. Roosevelt last evening "addressed a personal message to Emperor Hirohito* of Japan." The contents of the message, although not disclosed by the U.S. State Department, came following the government being informed "of Japanese preparation of an imminent invasion of Thailand."
Robert G. Nixon discloses that the President's action "is clearly a last possible step prior to a complete breakdown of negotiations with Japan for a peaceful settlement."
*Hirohito (1901-1989) was born in Tokyo & was commissioned in the Imperial Japanese Army at age 11. He visited the U.S. in 1921 & became Emperor of Japan in 1926. Hirohito is the longest reigning Japanese emperor, 1926-1989.
JFK+50 NOTE
In the message, FDR writes "During these past few weeks it has become clear to the world that Japanese forces have been sent to South Indo-China in large numbers." He indicates that this action cannot be interpreted to be a defensive measure.
The Final Edition of the Detroit Times, Dec 7, 1941, was obviously published before word of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor had reached the mainland. The attack began at 7:55 a.m. Hawaii time, 12:55 p.m. in Washington, D.C.
Thailand was attacked by Japanese forces at 2 a.m. (2 p.m. EST) on December 8, 1941. A cease-fire was declared five hours later and a military alliance between Thailand & the Japanese Empire was established.
SOURCES
"President Roosevelt To Emperor Hirohito of Japan," December 6, 1941, Foreign Relations of the United States:Japan, 1931-1941, vol. 2
"Roosevelt Warns Jap Ruler To Avert Major War in Pacific," by Robert G. Nixon, Detroit Times, Final Edition, December 7, 1941, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
