The American Embassy Incident: US Military Personnel during Japan's Declaration of War

During a critical period in World War II, Japan's sudden declaration of war against the United States, which took place on December 7, 1941, caught many nations off guard. From then on, the relationship between the United States and Japan deteriorated rapidly, ultimately leading to the eventual expulsion and fate of United States military personnel stationed in Japan at that time. This article aims to delve into the details of what happened to the US military personnel at the American embassy in Tokyo when Japan officially went to war with the United States. Furthermore, it will also discuss the roles and movements of military attaches during this significant historical event.

The Diplomatic Context and Military Attachés

Before the declaration of war, the United States and Japan maintained a network of diplomatic and military relationships. The US military attachés, including naval attachés, were officials who informed their respective governments and military about the situation and activities of the other nation's military forces. They operated on diplomatic status, which meant they could travel and communicate more freely than ordinary soldiers.

These attachés were typically exchanged through secure means, one of which was the SS Gripsholm, a Swedish convoy ship that played a pivotal role in wartime diplomacy. The SS Gripsholm transported military attachés between the United States and Europe, maintaining essential lines of communication. While this voyage was significant, it did not solely serve the purpose of transporting military attachés.

The Fate of American Military Personnel at the Embassy

Upon Japan's official declaration of war on December 8, 1941, the situation quickly became tense. The American embassy in Tokyo found itself in a fragile position. As the United States mobilized for war, military personnel at the embassy were placed in a precarious and suddenly hostile environment.

The embassy staff had to deal with uncertainty and immediate dangers. The American military attachés and naval officers had to decide on whether to withdraw from Japan or stay under duress. This decision was not made lightly, as it could affect the overall war effort and diplomatic relations.

Roles and Movements of Military Attachés

During this period, the presence of military attachés was crucial. They provided valuable intelligence on Japanese military movements and strategies. The naval attachés, in particular, played a significant role in monitoring Japanese naval activities, which were crucial for the United States' war strategy.

However, the program of Marine security guards, which began in 1948, had not yet been established during World War II. During the war, US Marines were only stationed in London, not in Japan, which made the protection of US interests in Japan a challenge.

Consequences for US Military Attachés

Given the hostile environment, many military attachés were evacuated to safe locations, such as neutral Sweden, through the ship SS Gripsholm. Some were detained by the Japanese government, while others managed to escape to different parts of the world.

The fate of the military attachés who remained in Japan varied. Some were interned or deported, while others were permitted to remain under strict surveillance, which limited their ability to perform their duties effectively. The episode highlights the intense diplomatic and personal challenges faced by these individuals during the period of war and tension.

Conclusion

The declaration of war between the United States and Japan in 1941 had profound implications for the American Embassy in Tokyo and the US military personnel stationed there. The evacuation and internment of military attachés serve as a stark reminder of the complexities and dangers of international relations in wartime. This incident is a crucial part of World War II history and a pivotal moment in the relationship between the United States and Japan.

Understanding the historical context and the actions of military attachés during this time can provide valuable insights into the strategic and personal challenges faced by individuals during a time of international conflict.