President Roosevelt and Secretary Hull presented the Japanese with a ten-point note outlining the final American terms to resolve the current crisis. The Hull note’s primary purpose was to establish a clear record rather than serve as a basis for negotiation. Their demands included Japan’s withdrawal from China and Indo-China and recognition of the Chinese…

“By late November 1941 events were moving at a rapid pace. Even before Stimson dictated his controversial entry for November 25, Secretary Hull had learned, from a “Magic” intercept, that the foreign minister in Tokyo had informed Japan’s representatives in Washington that diplomatic efforts to reach what he called “the solution we desire” must be…

As talks broke down, Admiral H. E. Kimmel and Major General W. C. Short received a warning from Washington about the potential for a Japanese attack, prompting them to heighten vigilance on November 27. Hawaii was considered an easy assignment, and the prospect of war seemed remote. Major Short was more concerned about the risk…