Cablegram 382 19 June 1941,
MOST SECRET
Your cable No. 422 [1] regarding movement of United States warships into the Pacific. Hope that view previously expressed by us [2] relating to the minimum force which United States should be asked to retain in the Pacific will not be overlooked.
In the absence of a firm joint statement to Japan in which the United States fully participates any reduction of United States Pacific Fleet below the point dictated by Naval prudence remove[s] most powerful deterrent to Japanese action and might even encourage it.
I would appreciate advice as to how the discussions with the United States regarding joint declaration are proceeding. As I came through Washington I found both President [3] and Cordell Hull [4] receptive on this matter, but with a slight reservation about going the full distance.
I hope that urgent and real emphasis is being given to this question.
MENZIES
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1 Document 508.
2 See Document 446.
3 Franklin D. Roosevelt.
4 U.S. Secretary of State.
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[AA: A981, PACIFIC 8, i]