Introduction to the Uncertainty Surrounding Pearl Harbor

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, remains one of the most significant events in American history. But what was the knowledge level of the Japanese ambassadors, Kazuichi Nomura and Sadayuki Kurusu, when they presented their final declaration to the U.S. Secretary of State, Cordell Hull? The answer is more complex than initially thought, highlighting the intricate diplomatic and security dynamics at play.

The Lack of Clarity in the Declaration of War

When the Japanese diplomats presented their declaration of war to Secretary of State Cordell Hull, they were left in a state of uncertainty. The declaration itself was "flowery and drawn out," making it difficult to understand the precise meaning and implications, especially with regard to the immediate context of the impending attack on Pearl Harbor. This ambiguity was problematic, as neither Nomura nor Kurusu were fully aware of the impending doom that Pearl Harbor would soon face.

Technical Hurdles and Lack of Information

Adding to the complexity was the technical challenge faced by Nomura and Kurusu. The "Purple" deciphering machine, which the Japanese embassy used to quickly decrypt messages, was destroyed a day before the attack, as per orders from Tokyo. This left the diplomats to hand-decode the dispatch from Tokyo, translate it to English, and retypewhile simultaneously waiting to hear news of the impending attack.

Decoding Efforts of the U.S. Army Black Chamber

Meanwhile, within the U.S., the decoding capabilities of the U.S. Army's Black Chamber were far more advanced. The "Magic" project allowed the Black Chamber to decipher and translate Japanese diplomatic communications faster than the Japanese themselves could. Despite this technological advantage, the Japanese ambassadors remained in the dark due to their limited access to real-time information and the overly involved process of decoding and translation.

Formal Denouncement and Diplomatic Casualties

On the day of the attack, December 7, 1941, the Japanese diplomats delivered their final note to Secretary Hull. However, Hull had already seen the contents before their arrival and was prepared. He dismissed the note as "infamous lies and falsehoods," which prompted a remarkable exchange. The Japanese diplomats were so shaken that one attempted to comfort Hull. This moment was captured by reporters outside the Old Executive Office Building, where the State Department was located at the time. The Japanese officials were still trying to process the news and remained unaware that war had officially been declared.

Conclusion

The account of the events surrounding Pearl Harbor raises questions about the role of knowledge and communication during a critical moment in history. While the U.S. had the technical advantage to decode Japanese communications, the Japanese diplomats were left in a state of confusion and uncertainty. This juxtaposition sheds light on the multifaceted nature of intelligence and diplomatic relations during World War II. The uncertainty and miscommunication evident at Pearl Harbor underscore the vital importance of clear and concise communication in high-stakes diplomatic negotiations.