Pearl Harbor: The Seeds and Fruits of Infamy - Ludwig von Mises ...

Joint Congressional Committee, Pearl Harbor Attack: Part 3 805
[T]he reference to Pearl Harbor was purely a passing reference
for the benefi t of non-naval personnel, namely, these foreign
service offi cers and the Army offi cer present. . . . [He] never
intended in the least to imply that those remarks . . . indicated
an attack on Pearl Harbor, or, in fact, any overt intention on the
part of the Japanese directed toward the United States. 241
He had only intended to comment “on how the hour [1:00 p.m.
EDT] tied with the sun and moves in progress elsewhere;” 242
Pibul, who had been maintaining, for some time past, the position that
his country was neutral, that any foreign nation that invaded his quarters
would be considered an enemy, and that the moment such an invasion
took place he would call on the other party for assistance. By ‘other
party’ I refer to Japan or to Britain.”
Ibid., part 9, pp. 4110, 4116. Excerpts of Kramer’s 1944 memorandum
reprinted. Kramer explained the signifi cance of the “One p.m. Message” for
Knox’s benefi t, as he often had explained other Japanese intercepts to the Navy
personnel authorized to see them:
Th e implications were so obvious in the light of what we know,
that it was not necessary to state that invasion of British territory was
undoubtedly scheduled for 1300 (EDT), and that at least a complete
break with the U.S. was scheduled simultaneously. . . . I recollect
conversation only for Mr. Knox’ benefi t regarding the implications of
the 1300 hour. I distinctly remember that the tie-up of these times
would be apparent to experienced naval offi cers, but that a civilian (Mr.
Knox) might overlook it. Hence the pains I took to point it out at the
State Department. I repeated this point at least half a dozen times that
morning to others, chiefl y subordinates, I think, but including one of
Mr. Hull’s secretaries who handled this material for him, to one or two
of my offi ce workers, and I believe also to Colonel Bratton [the Army
courier] in Mr. Hull’s outer offi ce, probably to Commander Wellborn,
and Admiral’s fl ag secretary, possibly to McCollum, and probably to
you [Saff ord] too.”
241 Ibid., part 9, pp. 4180–82. Kramer testimony.
242Ibid., p. 4180. Kramer quoting from 1944 memorandum prepared for
Halsey.