EARLY WARNING GIVEN

Southland Times, Issue 25836, 22 November 1945, Page 5

EARLY WARNING GIVEN

ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOUR (Rec. 7 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Nov. 20. The late Secretary of the Navy, Colonel Knox, warned that Japan might start a war with a surprise attack on Pearl .Harbour in a letter to the Secretary of War, Mr £enry L. Stimson, in January, 1941. The letter was read at the Pearl Harbour inquiry. It stated that the inherent possibilities of a major disaster to the fleet, or the naval base at Pearl Harbour warranted taking every step as rapidly as possible to increase the joint readiness of the Army and Navy to withstand such a raid. Colonel Knox predicted that the attacks would, probably be launched .from a striking force of Carriers and supporting vessels. Mr Stimson replied on February 7, 1941, concurring in the importance of the matter and in the urgency of making every preparation to meet such a hostile effort.

Admiral Richardson gave evidence today. He said he called on the Secretary of State, Mr Cordell Hull to learn why the fleet was being retained m Pearl Harbour, instead of returning to bases on the west coast of the United States. Mr Hull said he felt that the United States should take a very strong position, and the retention of the fleet at Hawaii was a reflection of that strong attitude. . Admiral Richardson said 'that, after a series of conferences with Mr Roosevelt and Mr Hull in July .1940,. he ieft Washington with the distinct impression that there was an opinion in the capital that Japan could be bluffed. Admiral Richardson expressed the opinion that the fleet under his command was in absolutely no condition for a war against Japan, since the warships were under-manned and lacked the wartime allotments of ammunition. Asked if the Japanese were aware ot the United States Navy’s deficiencies, Admiral Richardson replied, I never doubted that the Japanese knew everything they wanted to know about our fleet. Colonel Knox himself told me they knew more about it than I did.