davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-01-25
of Report Fixing Blame for Surprise at Pearl Harbor

miral Kimmel in which he stated
that in the opinion of the navy
department. a surprise aggressive
movement in any direction by the
japanese. including an attack on
the Philippines or Guam. was a
possibility: that the doubt as 10
favorable outcome of pending ne
got iations, the statements of the
Japanese government. and the
movements of its army and naval
forces, supported this opinion.
The communication enjolned
secrecy 10 prevent complication OF
the tense existing situation.
The message advised that the
chief of staff of the army re-
queSted that the local senior army
officers be advised that he con-
CURED in the dispatch.
This message was seen by both
the commander-in-chief OF the
fleet and the commanding general
of The Hawaiian department.
The responsible commanders In
Hawaii knew that negotiations had
been continued through October
and November, and were awaiting
further developments.
Nov. u, 1871. the chief Of staff
OF the army informed the COM
manding general. Hawaiian de-
partment. that the negotiations
with Japan seemed 10 be ended,
with Little likelihood of their re-
sumption; that japanese action
was unpTedictable: that hoStilities
on the part Of Japan were mo-
mentarily possible; that in the
leVent hoStilitleS could not be
Iavoided the United States desired
that this nation should not COM
init the first overt act; that the
department commander was not TO
be restricted 10 any course which
would jeopardize his defense.
The message directed him, even
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-01-25

ness OF the army and navy Il
withstand raid of the character
The letter proceeded:
THE dangers envisaged I'm
their order Of Importance and
probability are considered Ca be:
CD air bombing attack; CD air
torpedo plane attack; t3t sabo-
tage: "a submarine attack: t0
mining: 90 bomba rdment by
gun fire"
II stated the dcfenSeS against
all but the first two were ther
satisfactory, described the prob.
able character Of an air attack
and urged consideration by the
army Of dispositions 10 discover
and meet such attack and pro-
vision of additional equipment
therefore.
II concluded with recommends
lions for the revision of ioiHt de
Tense plans with special emphasis
on the coordination of army anC
navy operations against surprise
raids. II also urged the
conduct of joint exercises 10 train
the forces 10 meet such raids.
The secretary of war replied
Feb. 7. 1871, giving the present
and prospective status of thu
| Hawaiian department in respect
of aIrplaneS and anti-aircraft ar.
iilirry. and stating with respect &c
the other proposals of the score
tary of the navy that a copy Of the
letter was being forwarded 10 the
commanding general, Hawaiian de-
partmeRt, with direction 10 hin
to cooperate with the local naval
authorities in making the sug'
gested measures effective.
Admiral Kimmel and Genera
Short received copies of these
letters az about the time they
assumed the commands which they
held Dec. 7. 1871. Rear AdmiraI
Bloch also received copies.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-01-25
EUcn DaUn Attack
Was Expected

The Joint coastal frontier de-
Tense plan and plans subsidiary
thereto envisaged the possibility
of an air attack and estimated
that. il made. il would most likely
occur at dawn.
An agreement between the Ia
waiian air force and the com
mander. navy patrol wing two
established the responsibilities fOI
the joint use and operation OF the
available air forces of the army
and navy.
The standing operating pro.
cedure. Hawaiian department, and
standing orders of the United
States Pacific fleet and the 14th
naval district also prescribed
measures for protection against
air attack.
Frequent joint drills and eXer-
CiSeS were conducted during the
year lq4l TO insure such measures
would be effective.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-01-25
Lack OF MGteriei
In Islands Found

II j. true ~ We have found
that due 10 the enormous demand
on the>SnatlOn capacity 10 pro-
dlIce munitions and war supplies
there was a deficiency IN the pro-
vision Of material for the Hawaiian
area.
This was but natural. in The
circumSt anceS. and was well
known 10 the government depart
ments and local commanders We
have made no detailed findings
on the subject since. As viii APP
pear from our report We find
that this deficiency did not affect
the critical fact Of failure 10 take
appropriate measures with the
means available.
A. our hearings reference was
made to what has long been d
matter % common knowledge
that there are and have been
diverse views ~ National policy
respecting 'bp baSinE of the on
tire United States Pacific fleet at
Pearl lIarbor 7 " We feel that
wv lIb 'i'Ilfi fFltf' III 'IIiN IllfN ''l
j one that has been settled by
those responsible for such decisions
and that u ~ not within our
province-'ba' ~ finding the facts
respecting The attack of Deem
her Z and the responsibility for
Tho resulting damage 20 the
United States 10 discuss any such
topic.
Regretiabio loss - life and cx-
tenSiVe damage resulted from the
air raid The nature OF that dam
age and the details Of the measures
taken 10 repair II have no direct
bearing on the execution OF the
mandate appointing this commits
sion. and the subject is dealt with
In our report only 10 the extent
that " bears on questions ~ re-
sponSibli'y for the disaster.
The evidence taken covered p
WIDE scope The COMMISSION in
ten'ionslll invited such latitude OF
testimony and inquiry ir The belief
thai thereby Incidental light might
he 'DroWn upon The MAIN I>~ucs
ms 0itcd
As ar example the commission
hoard evidence 20 SHOW what had
been done ~ Pearl Harbor and on
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-01-25

For months prior 10 Dec. :
l94l the Secretary Of State was
repeatedly in contact with the
Secretary Of War and the Secre-
tary of the Navy. not only in cab
met meetings. but in meetings OF
the war council; and on the occa-
SionS of those contacts and in CON
ference with the Secretary of War
and the Secretary of the Navy
discussed negotiations with Japan
and The growing tenslty of the re-
lationS Of the United States with
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-01-25

Oct 10, 1871. the commanding
general, Hawaiian department,
and the commander in chief of the
fleet were advised by the war and
navy departments of the changes
IN the Japanese cabinet, of the
probability of hostilities between
Japan and Russia. and OF the pos
sibllity Of an attack by Japan on
Great Britain and the United
States.
Both commanders were warned
10 take precautions and 10 make
preparatory dispositions W n h
would not disclose their strategic
intentions or constitute provica-
ton as against Japan.
Admiral kimmel made certain
dispositions of units of the fleet,
and placed additional security
measures in effect in the operat-
ing area outside Pearl Harbor.
Al that time various task forces
OF the navy were engaged in train
ing operations and maneuverS
which We're deemed highly inn
portant 10 the training Of the fleet
personnel, and the army was also
conducting intensive training par
tlcularly OF It's air arm.
The responsible commanders
Testified that TO undertake in
creased defense measures respect
ing Pearl Harbor and the Hawaiian
area would neccSSitate curtailmcnt
Of training. if not its virtual sus-
pension, and they thought the
situation =Mas=not such as TO re-
quire this.
Nov. "a. 1941. the chief of naval
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-01-25
Milk Mixture For
Stomach Ulcers

\ recent medical discovery now
being used by doctors and hospi-
tails everywhere has proven unusu-
ally successful in the treatment of
stomach ulcers caused from excess
scid. II is n harmless preparation
YET 20 effective that In many cases the
pains ~ stomach ulcers disappear ri
most immediately after N IN used. Also
recommended Tor gas pains. indigestion
sud heartburn ia" 10 hyperaCidttN
sufferers NAV uop tt THIS ~ home
ht ,dbtAintug y bottle ~ Lurin froW
firir druggisi luriu contains THIS
new DISCOVERY ~ its purest form
'E4~Y 90 faL' Just mtN iva teaspoon
fuls boo b7lf glass ~ mtlk. Costs hui
lttte Irv bottle ~ must satisfy .or
rporev refunded Turin fot sale hv
'unu'ugham aud drug stores every
where
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-01-25
General Warned
To Keep Secret

lie was directed to restrict the
information contained in the mes
sage TO the minimum Of essential
Officers. and to report TO the chief
of staff the measures taken.
The purport OF this message was
communicated by the department
commander to the commander in
chief of the Pacific fleet.
On the same day NOV. u, 194D
the chief OF military intelligence
sent q message to the intelligence
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-01-25
I27 Persons GriLLed,
Examine Documents

January 10 the commission left
Honolulu for Washington, ID. c.
held meetings January u, - and
IA. arrived al Washington January
IS, and held further meetings
January is. II. 10. 19, 20. p
and %.
The commission examined III
witnesses and received a large
number Of documents. All mem
hers Of the military and naval
establishments. and civil officers
and citizens who were thought
to have knowledge of facts peril.
nent TO the inquiry were sum
moned ana examined under oath
All persons in the Island ol
Oahu. who believed they mac
knowledge OF such facts. were pub
licly requested 10 appear and a
number responded 10 the invita-
ton. and gsve evidence.
Various TumorS and hesTSay
statements have been communi-
Gated 10 the commission The
commission has sought 10 find and
examine witnesses who might be
expected 10 have knowledge re-
Specting them. We believe that
our findings OF fact sufficiently
dispose of most of them.
The evidence touches subjects
which IN the national interest.
should remain secret We have
therefore. refralned from quota
ton of testimony OF documentary
proof Our findings, however,
have been made with the purpose
fully and accurately 10 reflect the
testimony. which a respects mat
tiers Of fact is substantially with
nllf nnn1radIfInn
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-01-25
jap attack Before
Warning Seen

The latter officers in turn ad.
viSed the responsible commanders
in the field OF the progress of
events and Of the growing threat
OF hostilitles.
The responsible commanders In
the Hawaiian area were aware
that previous japanese actions and
demonstrated AXIS methods ind-
Gated that hostile action might be
expected PRIOR 10 declaration OF
war,
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-01-25

The means available TO the
army. for the fulfillment of its
mission. consist of coast defense
and anti-airCraft artillery. mobile
ground forces. the Hawaiian air
force and an aircraft warning
service.
The supporting elements Of the
navy consist OF local naval de
Tense forces comprising light sur
face craft and shore based aircraft
not assigned 10 the fleet.
The fleet as such, was not
charged with the defense of Pearl
l1arbor. except that certain air
craft attached to the fleet. when
present. and the anti-aTCraft
weapons OF such units of the fleet
as were in port, were available.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-01-25

every contingency had been pre-
pared.
These included joint army and
navy war plans and war depart
ment and navy department plans
subsidiary thereto which eSisb-
lish the Hawaiian coastal frontier
assign tasks and forces 10 both
army and navy for It's Joint de-
tense. and prescribe that The SyS-
TEN Of Co-ordnat ion between the
responsible army and navy com
msnders shall be by mutual CO.
operation.
&.
The responsibility for tho Joint
defense of the Hawaiian coastal
frontier rested upon the command
ing general. Hawaiian department.
and the commandment 14th Naval
District. the latter acting as a
subordinate OF the commander-in-
chief of-the Pacific feet.
The Commander-in-chicf OF the
fleet. i'm addition was assigned the
task Of protecting the territory
within the Hawaiian naval coastal
frontier by destroying hostile eX-
petitions and by supporting land
and air forces i'm denying the
enemy the use of land positions
within that frontier, and the fur
ther task Of covering the opera
tionS Of the Hawaiian coastal
frontier forces.
The commanding general. Ha-
wallan department, could properly
deal respecting defense measures
and dispositions with either the
commander-in-Chief of the Pacific
fleet or the commsndant of the
18th Naval District.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-01-25

officer on the staff OF the cons
general Hawaiian de-
partment, directing him TO inform
the commanding general and his
chief of staff that negotiations
with Japan had practically
ceased; that hoStilities might en-
sue. and that subversive activity
might be expected.
On the same day NOV. 81. 194D
the chief of naval operations sent
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-01-25
Functions of Army
And Navy Outlined

Under these plans the general
function of the army is 10 conduct
military operations IN direct de-
tense 81 United States territory.
IhP general function Of the
navy - 10 conduct naval opera
tons To- gam and maintain con
troll Oi vital Sod areas. thereby
contributing go 'hc defense Of the
coSisl frontiers
Specific plans Tor INC protection
oi The Hawaiian area against
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-01-25

prior to hostile action, to under
take such reconnaissance and
other measures as he deemed nee.
essary. but 10 carry them out in
such a way as not 10 alarm the
civil population or disclose his in
4
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-01-25
insufficient Troops
To Maintain Defense

Insufficient forces were avail
able 10 maintain all the defense
on a war footing for extended pc
RODS of time. The responsible
commanders made numerous rec
concentrations to the war and navy
departments for additional forces
equipment and funds which they
deemed necessary 10 insure the
defense of the Hawaiian coastal
frontier under any eVcntuallty
The national situation permitted
only a partial filling of these re-
qlllrementS.
However, preSuppoSing timely
dispositions by the army and navy
commands in Hawaii. the forces
available 10 them were adequate
to Illustrate A surprise air attack
or greatly 10 mitigate it's effec.
tlVeneSs.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-01-25
Attack Seen Year Ago
By Knox, Board Reveals

the Island Of oahu by naval and
military commands subsequent 10
Dec. :. 1871. IN the view that this
might throw some light upon the
matters submitted for our conSId-
Grafton.
Again. the commission heard
much testimony a. 10 the popula-
.tion OF Hawai-, ITS composition.
and the attitude and disposition of
the persons composing II. IN the
belief that tho facts disclosed
might aid IN sppralsInC the results
OF lnveSuGatlNc.- Counter-eSpiopage,
and anu-Sabotage work done ante
cedent 10 the attack of Dee. 7.
1871.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-01-25


commission mus.
ITO ascertain and report the
facts relating 10 the attack
made by Japanese armed forces
upon the territory ~ Hawaii On
Dec. !, 1871.
The purposes of the required
inquiry and report are 10 pro-
vide basis for sound decisions
whether any derelictions Of duty
or errors Of Judgment on the
part OF United states Army or
Navy personnel contributed Ia
such successes AS we're achieved
nv the enemy on the occasion
mentioned, and IL ~. what these
dereliCtiOns or errors were, and
Who we're responsive therefor.
The Congress Spoadlly supple
mentcd the executive order by
granting the commission power tC
summon witnesses and examine
them under oath.
The commission held three
meetings In WsShIngton December
is. l9 ana 20. and on the latter
DAY proceeded 10 Honolulu. terri
tory of Hawai-. where the commits
sion arrived December % and held
meetings December -. %, a and
rs al the headquarters of the
Hawaiian department, Fort Shat
ter. and December n %. 30 and
81 1871, and January 2 and 3
1892 al the submarine base. Pearl
Harbor, and January 5. 6. Z, = and
Q at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel
HopOlulu
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-01-25
Visited Pearl HdrbOr
Base and Air Fields

The commission visited the
naval base AT Pearl liarbor and
air fields OF the military and naval
establishments rs well as the
army posts and forts and certain
OF the coast Notifications on tho
Island Of Oahu.
The minutes OF each meeting OF
the commission are ot record. The
statements of witnesses received
in the meetings previous 10 that Of
December - have been recorded
in summaries. All testimony re-
ceived al the meeting Of Deem
Der - and the subsequent meet
lngs was stenOgraphically reported
and transcribed.
The oral evidence received
amounts to 1887 typewriter
pages. and the records and dOcu-
mentS examined exceed 5000
printed pages.
Appended hereto Is map OF
the Island of Oahu showing the
location OF the principal naval and
military establishments
All the testimony and evidence
received have been considered. and
as the result Of it's deliberations
THE commission submits the fol-
lowing finding Of fact:
About 7.55 a. m. Honolulu time
"a IS p. m Detroit tlme) on Sun
day. Dec. Z. 194l. japanese forces
attacked army and navy install
Isiions and ships Of the Pacific
fleet in Oahu. Territory Of Ha-
wall
Although the United States and
Japan were n peace on that morn
ing Japan planned TO announce
to the Secretary of State OF the
United States al ! 90 p. m. OF
that day, r. s. T. t7:30 .. m
Honolulu timeI the severance oi
diplomatic relations and stimuli
.itaHeeusly 10 attack the Island oi
Oahu and Pearl Harbor.
7 The military preparations fol-
this breach OF international faith
and honor were put in train and
the forces for its contamination
had been dispatched weeks prior
TO any intImstion Of the planned
severance OF relations.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-01-25

In a letter OF Jan. -. lgI1. the
secretary OF the navy advised the
secretary OF var that the increased
gravity OF the japanese situate
hsd prompted "A reStudy Of the
problem OF the security of the
Pacific fleet while IN Pearl Iiarbor.
The writer stated:
III war eventustes with Japan.
N ~ believed easily possible that
hostiIiti~s would be initiated nv
surprise attack upon the feet
or the naval base at Pearl
HarbOr."
The writer stated that the
inherent possibilities OF a major
disaster" warranted further speedy
action 10 increase the joint readi-
ADVERTISEMENT
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-01-25
only Minor Forces
On Other Islands

The Territory OF Hawaii com
ptlSeS the group of islands known
as The Hawaiian Islands This
group consists Of the larger rs
lands Hawaii. Maui, Molokai.
Oahu and Kauai and a number
of smaller islands.
They extend from Hawaii in the
south some three hundred miles
IN a norihweSterly direction, in
GLIDING Kauai IN the north For
purposes OF certain development :
and protection. the Islands of Mid
way. Wake. Johnston. Palmyra.
Christmas and Canton had been
placed under the responsible naval
and military heads in the Ta-
Walisn area
The importance of the Territory
OF Hawaii from national defense
standpoint ~ the fact that Pearl
Harbor the main outlying naval
base IN the Pacific, is located in
the Island Of Oahu, one of the lila
wallan group. For this reason all
measures for the protection and
defense OF the territory have cen
tered IN and around Oahu. the
other islands being garrisoned by
minor forces only. a main out
lying naval base. such 49, Pearl
Harbor. - intended for the use of
the fleet for taking on fuel and
supplies. for recreation and rest
Of the fleet personnel. and for the
repair and rcfIitIng OF ships.
3.
IT has been Well known that
The policy of the United States
A. 10 affairs in the Pacific was
IN conflict with The policies OF
other governments
II was realized bv the state
war and navy departments OF tn,
United States that unless these
policies We're reConcied, war IN
the Pacific was inevitable.
Plans and preparations against
the contingency Of war are the
Joint responsibility OF the military
and naval authorities. and within
the limits Of funds and authorize
tons provided by the Congress,
were being ceaSeleSSly carried out
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-01-25

WASHINGTON. Jan. - (UP)
-EoTowinc IS the complete
fsEt OF the reporf Of the SpecIsi
isyssucstiTE Commission hHing
responsibility for fhS japanese
success IN the Surprise attack on
Hawai-:
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-01-25

Also Shorthand Theory, February
2; Shorthand Review Dietstion,
January rs; Typs~ riting, Ae.
counting. Mimeosraph. Compton,
ster, Dictaphone, January rs.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-01-25

THE PRESIDENT.
THE WHITE HOUSE,
ST..
The Undersigned we're appointed
~ executive order Of December
s which defined our duties as a
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-01-25

Continued on Page III
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-01-25

Nov. "a 1871, the chief of naval
sent a message To Ad-
Coulee City dispatch. [volume] (Coulee City, Wash.) 19??-19??, 1942-04-16
PIONEER RESIDENTS HERE

a recent visitor at the McCann
home here was Frank Neild, whose
father homesteaded. the place now
known as the John Edwards ranch
three miles north of Hartline. The
family came to this country in 1887
and moved away in 1895.
Frank had not been back here
since they moved away. and he sew
q great many changes, especially SC
many changes, especially finding
that SO many old frineds had rasa-
ed away.
He and his brother, Dill, and one
sister live in Portland, and one ais
ter resides in Washington, D. G.
The McCann family also enjoyed
a visit with Mr.. and Mrs. G. NJ
Burnham of Oroville. Mr. Burnhan
taught the eighth grade in tbs
school here for three years. 1t ha;
been IA years since they moTec
away from Coulee City.
Coulee City dispatch. [volume] (Coulee City, Wash.) 19??-19??, 1942-04-16
SCOUTS, SEND TONS OF
PAPER TO SPOKANE

Waste paper and magazines are
no longer requested by the Cub and
Boy Scouts here. Shipment of sew
eral tons was made Wednesday to
Spokane, thus clearing out the
room where it has been stored dur
ing the time of collecting, and an
other collection will not be made
The two groups wish to express
their appreciation to all who cooper
ated so generously during the drive.
Through the courtesy of Pat Her
ron local Centennial FIGURING Mills
manager, the boys were able to ship
the paper free of charge to Spo-
kane firm. The boys and the Scout
committee wish to thank Mr. Her
ron and his company for the haul
ing of it.
Coulee City dispatch. [volume] (Coulee City, Wash.) 19??-19??, 1942-04-16
DRAFTEES TO ANSWER
VOCATION QUESTIONS

Every man between 20 ard A
years of age who registered for Sc
lective Service on February 10 must
fill ont an cccupational question
naire which his local selective ser
ice board will send to him within
a few days. The form must be re-
turned to the selective service board
within ten days after receipt.
The purpose of this occupational
registration, according to the Unit
ed States Employment Service, is to
provide the government with com
plete occupational inventory of its
manpower. This information, it was
said. will avoid induction into the
armed forces of men more urgently
needed in war production and will
also speed the output of war mater
ials by promoting the transfer of
workers from essential to es-
sential work.
Each questionnaire is in two i'd
entical parts-one for ths selective
service system and one for the Unit
ed States Employing nt Service. In
formation is requested on the regis
trarts present job, his education
and the kind of work for which he
considers himself best fitted.
Applicants needing help in filling
out the form should ask assistance
| from their employer. their labor un-
ion, the local office of the United
| States Employment Service, or from
member of the selective service
local advisory board. No fee will be
charged for the service.
The same form will later be
mailed to men who registered for
selective service in 1910 and 1941,
except to those now in the armed
forces, and also those from Is to
20 ard from Is to 81 who are still
| to be registered.