Description:

Very intriguing typed document (unsigned), 1p. 4to., [n.p.], July 17, 1941, unattributed but originating from the archives of journalist and NBC radio correspondent William Hillman, presumably sent by him to his news agency. The memo, marked "Secret" at top, warns of Japanese aggression in Southeast Asia, just months before the attack on Pearl Harbor. The source is identified as "Cabinet member and State Department official", and the memo reads, in full: "Naval conference at White House today discussed plans of alertness view of information and fear Japanese would move on to Indo China shortly. Not believed would do more than Indo China for the time being but this would place Japanese in strategic position to menace Dutch East Indies and Singapore. Whether Japanese will make this move, of course, the President himself doesn't know definitely but this is information gotten from Ambassador [to Japan Joseph] Grew." A line at bottom warns: "Please destroy". Shows scattered foxing and a paper clip mark at top left, else very good. As predicted here, Japan would seize southern Indochina on July 28, and in turn strike against the Dutch East Indies on December 8, with the invasion of Singapore following in February of 1942. A period Japanese newspaper featuring an unflattering photograph of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and articles pertaining to U.S. and British military measures is also present. Two pieces.

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July 30, 2019 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

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