§ § §

  April 17, 1944; 4 PM

  Hickam Army Air Force Base

  Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

  “Well, that’s it, then.” Cordell Hull stood and reached across the table to shake hands with Mamoru Shigemitsu.

  “Despite the dishonor Japan has exhibited during this war, the honor and generosity of the United States are overwhelming,” the Japanese Foreign Minister said. “Rest assured we will do everything in our power to uphold this treaty and work to regain the respect of other nations.”

  “Getting this war behind us will be a good thing,” Hull commented. “Putting the hard feelings behind us will be more difficult and take longer. However, that will be the more rewarding.”

  “Indeed. I’m sure the Prime Minister is anxiously awaiting the news that we have completed negotiations.”

  “As is President Truman. First, however, we need to get the photographers in here so we can sign the document.”

  The American and Japanese teams that accompanied the negotiators quickly rearranged the tables in the room to give the photographers an unobstructed view of the ceremony. Whatever the hard feelings, Hall thought, the two teams were professional and worked well together.

  Hull stepped out to visit the bathroom. He then walked into a side room where the Army maintained a refrigerator and a table of snacks. He pulled out a bottle of Coca-Cola and snagged a cookie from the table. Shigemitsu walked in at that moment and moved directly to the refrigerator. He extracted a bottle of Coke and opened it; he took a long drink and then sighed.

  “Pardon me if I sound uncouth, but of all the things I have missed during the embargoes and the war, this was probably at the top of my list. I really love this.”

  Hull smiled at the Japanese Foreign Minister. “It will likely be a while before you have it show up in Tokyo in any quantity. How about if I arrange for several cases to be placed aboard your ship before you sail?”

  “That would be most generous, Mr. Secretary. I shamelessly accept.”

  Despite his resentment towards the Japanese, Cordell Hull had grown fond of the little foreign minister. Shigemitsu had demonstrated that there were indeed decent people in that strange land. Since the United States had bound Japan into a protective alliance, Hull knew that they had to develop these friendships for things to succeed in the long run.

  The British Undersecretary walked in and headed towards the refrigerator. Frank Ashton-Gwatkin was Clement Attlee’s choice to lead the British team to Honolulu. It turned out to be an inspired selection as the man’s far Eastern expertise helped the Allied team avoid the cultural misunderstandings that might have sunk the talks.

  He opened the door to the refrigerator and scanned the contents. “Is there nothing here but that brown syrup only drunk by barbarians?”

  He glanced around and noticed that Shigemitsu also had a bottle. He turned red.

  “My apologies, Mr. Foreign Minister. That did not come out quite as I intended.”

  “I was not offended. Besides, we both can agree that the Americans are barbarians,” he quipped.

  Hull choked and quickly grabbed his handkerchief to stanch the Coke that flowed out of his nose. Ashton-Gwatkin laughed loudly.

  “You know,” Hull commented, once he had retrieved control, “the stuff really burns your sinuses.”

  “I believe that confirms my assertion,” the British Undersecretary said.

  The three men chuckled.

  “One further thing, Mr. Foreign Minister,” Hull stated. “Anticipating the conclusion of negotiations, today, I ordered the first oil shipments from Los Angeles to sail this morning to Osaka.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Secretary. I appreciate your trust and confidence.”

  Hull managed a one-sided grin. “Well, there was a certain pragmatism involved. The British and the Dutch are anxious for you to leave Borneo. Since the treaty provisions allow you to remain in possession of that until regular shipments of oil began arriving, I thought it wise to get things moving quickly.”

  Shigemitsu nodded deeply. “I understand, and I apologize for the inconvenience. However, this was one point I was given no latitude for our discussions.”

  “Prime Minister Yamamoto was insistent, I assume.”

  “Speaking highly unofficially, of course, I suspect the Emperor insisted on this point.”

  “I completely understand,” Ashton-Gwatkin agreed. “Queen Margaret was insistent upon several points of negotiation as well.”

  “And I am gratified that we were able to accommodate the demands in putting together the agreement,” Hull stated.

  Shigemitsu nodded. “I believe we all recognized what was truly important to the three parties.”

  “What the hell,” the Brit said as he eased a bottle of Coke from the refrigerator. “One does what one must in a foreign land, Mr. Foreign Minister. I only hope no one will accuse me of going native.”

  “It’s for a good cause,” Hull laughed.

  A half-hour later, the teams returned to the conference room. While the American army had expended some effort in dressing up the room, it still lacked the ambiance of the Royal Hawaiian hotel, which was now rubble.

  Under the actinic light from the flashbulbs, the Japanese, British, and American negotiators signed the treaty. Following that, the people in the room burst into applause. They made up the teams from the principal governments and had endured the weeks of nail-biting that made up the negotiations. Their relief was not only at the end of the war but also at the completion of this marathon.

  Hull was surprised at the depth of his relief. The United States could stop pouring American blood into the Pacific Ocean and now engage with the former enemy rationally. With the war out of the way, the Americans could now focus on cleaning up the disaster in Hanford, Washington.

  It was good, he thought, that Stalin consumed with the war in Western Europe. The United States was committed to protecting Japanese interests in the northern Pacific, and he thought it would be years before the Americans could place significant forces there.

  He had not mentioned, but everyone was aware of, the large flotilla of American warships and commercial vessels that were now sailing into Tokyo Bay and Sasebo, Japan. In addition to creating a robust diplomatic presence in Tokyo, the Americans intended to develop naval bases in Yokosuka and Sasebo. It would send a strong message to the Japanese that life has changed. It would also provide basing and support for the American Pacific Fleet.

  Hull was not sanguine about how the Japanese people would receive this. However, people in Hawaii had been polite and even friendly to the Japanese delegation, and he thought this was a hopeful sign.

  Following the signing ceremony, the Army staff was anxious to clear the room to prepare it for the reception that evening. However, the delegates stood around conversing and relaxed now that they had accomplished what they set out to do.

  Shigemitsu walked over to Hans Thomsen, the German ambassador to the United States.

  “Japan is honored that Germany chose to send an observer to the conference. We would also like to apologize for our reaction when Germany refused to support us in this war. As Japan seeks to rejoin the discourse between the nations, we would hope to mend our relationship with Germany and again become friends.”

  Thomsen replied while shaking Shigemitsu’s hand. “Thank you very much for that, Mr. Foreign Minister. I shall indeed communicate your thoughts to the Reich Chancellor.”

  “I have prepared a letter to Herr Schloss. I will have it delivered to you in the morning.”

  Thomsen had done little in the conference beyond listening and taking careful notes. In their conversations, Ribbentrop had told him that Germany did not have significant interests in the far east or Japan in particular. But the conclusion of the current war could only help improve trade. A fairly large contingent in the German government also liked the Japanese and would approve of the closer relationship.

  “There is also an unofficial message I would like to pass along to your government,” Shigemitsu said. “We have uncovered evidence that a member of the German Embassy in Tokyo has regular communications with the Soviet Embassy.”

  Thomsen, who was no fool, stared at the Japanese Foreign Minister. “You would be speaking of things beyond the usual diplomatic exchanges?”

  “Yes. We may be wrong; however, we would suggest you investigate Richard Sorge. Our people spotted him servicing several message drops also used by the Soviet military attaché.”

  “That is disquieting,” Thomsen said. “But thank you for the information. We will certainly follow up on it.”

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  April 24, 1944; 11 AM

  Imperial Palace

  Tokyo, Japan

  “What have you brought before me, Prime Minister?”

  Yamamoto bowed deeply and extended the treaty books which he had carried to the Imperial Palace that morning.

  “We have ended the war, Majesty. I bring the documents confirming the agreement.”

  “And what have our diplomats accomplished, Prime Minister?”

  “We have achieved an end to the embargo from the Occidental Powers. We have arrived at a trade agreement with the United States. The Americans have agreed to supply oil to the Japanese Empire for twenty-five years at market prices. And we have learned much from this war.”

  “And what have we learned from this recent effort, Prime Minister?”

  Yamamoto glanced up quickly and then down again. That last question from Emperor Hirohito was unscripted.

  “We have learned that it is much more profitable to achieve Japan’s aims through trade and careful diplomacy than wasting the blood and treasure of our nation in fruitless war.”

  “You are to be commended, Prime Minister.” Hirohito gazed around the room. “Let it be known that our Prime Minister, Isoroku Yamamoto, is a far-seeing man. He has rescued our nation from defeat and dishonor. We look forward to resuming normal relationships with the other nations of the world and will strive to put the unpleasantness behind us.”

  Once again, the Emperor surprised Yamamoto. He had argued strenuously against some of the peace treaty terms, which forced Yamamoto to quash his objections. The Emperor’s position had become known in the Army, and Yamamoto feared a coup attempt. Word of this morning’s statements would ricochet quickly around the nation and the military, and hopefully, that would reduce the risk of the radicals in the country attempting something regrettable.

  After the Imperial reception, majordomo once again guided Yamamoto through the labyrinth of hallways to Hirohito’s private office. The Emperor was now wearing his usual business attire, having removed the royal robes.

  “What am I to do with you, Prime Minister?” Yamamoto wondered if this was a rhetorical question or if the man expected an answer. Then the Emperor continued speaking.

  “You have fulfilled our desires in bringing an end to the war, but your methods have been questionable.”

  “How so, Your Majesty?” Yamamoto responded.

  “You have removed from us our normal conduits for communication with other members of the government. You have disregarded our instructions on the conduct of the negotiations. You have made us virtually a prisoner in our own palace. But, you have delivered peace.”

  The Prime Minister bowed low. “If I have displeased the Emperor, I will remove myself from the divine presence and retire from the government.”

  Hirohito chuckled softly. “Once again, you attempt to manipulate us. What you do not understand is that we allowed your manipulation and could have stopped it at any time. We are not happy with how you pursued peace, but the alternatives do not bear reflection. We desired to preserve the nation, and you were our tool. One does not discard a well-honed tool.”

  Walking over to his desk, Hirohito opened the book containing the text of the treaty. He paged through the document and turned to the signatures.

  “This is the beginning of a new century for Japan. We must now rebuild our reputation and our commerce. Convincing the Americans to agree to provide military protection was a masterstroke, resulting in billions of yen that we will not have to remove from the economy. While I am not happy with this result, I am satisfied. We will no longer have the burden of war, and we will not have our people dying across the Pacific. Please tell me of your plans now, Prime Minister.”

  “The first shipments of oil from the United States will begin arriving within the week. A flotilla of American and British vessels will soon arrive in Sasebo and Yokosuka. We must plan to greet the arrival of a diplomatic delegation in Tokyo within the week. And we must prepare the people for these things.”

  “A Prime Minister with foresight would have been preparing for this already.”

  Yamamoto suppressed a grin. “And, we have, your Majesty.”

  “Prime Minister, are you ever concerned about the things you don’t know?” Hirohito responded with a grin.

  “Oh, I am very much aware of my encompassing ignorance, your Majesty. I worry every day about making a fool of myself or the nation because of my ignorance.”

  “If this is something that you keep in mind, then you are no fool. And now, if you will excuse me, I must prepare for my address to the nation.”

  Yamamoto looked up quickly. It was twice this morning the Emperor had surprised him.

  “I was not aware you are planning an address, Majesty.”

  The Emperor was openly grinning now. “We enjoy our little surprises. We will explain to the nation how our Prime Minister has heroically rescued the nation from death and destruction. I must convince them that foreign boots on our soil are not dishonor but another way to fulfill our manifest destiny. We would request your office to work with ours to make sure the text is satisfactory.”

  Yamamoto hoped that his relief did not show on his face. He wondered if there was a royal protocol for having the Prime Minister drop dead of a heart attack in the Emperor’s presence. He often thought the stress of an audience with the Emperor was worse than facing down the assassins who came into his house that night.

  He pondered the morning’s experience as he headed back to his office. The Emperor was enigmatic but also had a subtle sense of humor. However, Yamamoto had accomplished the most significant task related to the peace treaty. He needed to watch carefully for those who would sabotage the process through a coup or assassination, and both were a genuine danger. However, an address from the Emperor would go a long way towards settling things down.

  § § §

  April 25, 1944, 5 PM

  Reich Chancellor’s Officers

  Nazi Party Headquarters

  Frankfurt, Germany

  “I have to say this is the most relaxed I have seen you in a long time, Hennie,” Peter Schreiber stated. “You have needed to relax more.”

  “It must be the chair,” Karl Rainer said.

  Schloss leaned back with his hands behind his head and smiled contentedly. He was seated in what was called an executive chair. Someone in the Frankfurt party offices had imported it from the United States. Willem had seen it and thought it would be a magnificent addition to the Reich Chancellor’s office.

  “Careful, Karl, your teeth are showing,” Schloss retorted. “And I think I will take this chair back to Berlin with me whenever that happens. It’s quite comfortable.”

  “And you will probably break some poor party bureaucrat’s heart. Do you suppose he spent his personal funds on this?”

  “I doubt it; however that’s a good question. Willem!” He shouted.

  “Schloss’s secretary stepped into the doorway. “Yes, Herr Reich Chancellor?”

  “See if you can find out who bought this chair originally and if they paid for it personally or with party funds.”

  “Of course, Herr Reich Chancellor. Will you require further action on this once I find out?”

  “Yes, I am planning to take this chair back to Berlin with us. If the previous owner procured this with his own money, we need to make him whole.”

  “Otherwise?”

  “Otherwise, I will dictate a nice thank you note to him for contributing the chair to the mission of the Reich.”

  “That is cruel, Hennie,” Peter chortled. “The poor soul will probably go home to his hausfrau and weep on her chest.”

  “Seriously, Herr Reich Chancellor,” Rainer interjected, “you ought to ask Ambassador Smoke if he can arrange for an executive chair to be shipped in from the United States. He will probably be so pleased to have you speak to him he will wet himself.”

  Schloss laughed. “Please, Karl. We cannot cause embarrassment to our American friends by causing their Ambassador to lose his self-control.”

  Rainer snorted. “I know Smoke has been helpful, but sometimes I feel like we’re him dealing with the village idiot.”

  “Incidentally, Hennie, Herr Smoke delivered the official communiqué from the Americans this afternoon about the conclusion of the Honolulu Conference. The war is over.”

  “So, Peter, Hans Thomsen delivered the news what forty-eight hours ago?”

  “More like seventy-two hours. I was a little surprised since Smoke usually is the first to arrive with good news.”

  “Well, he is not popular in Washington,” Karl said. “Misty had not heard about it, either. I gave her a copy of Hans’ note. She was not happy.”

  “About the war ending?” Peter asked. Rainer gave him a decidedly patronizing look. “No, mein Herr. She set a sharp message to the State Department asking why the American Embassy was left out of the loop. You can bet both Cordell Hull and William Donovan know about that, too.”

  “And Misty is to be respected,” Schloss commented.

  “And people cross swords with Misty at their considerable peril,” Karl said.

  “Does that include you, Karl?” Peter asked with a grin.

  “No. Misty loves me.”

  “How is Misty doing?” Schloss asked.

  “Physically, she is almost completely recovered. The doctors are going to remove the wiring from her jaw next week. She has already been talking to a dentist about getting a false tooth installed.”