EJ                                 London
This telegram must be
closely paraphrased be-                 Dated December 19, 1941
fore being communicated 
to anyone. (B)                     Rec'd 6:12 a.m., 20th
 
Secretary of State,
 
     Washington.
 
     RUSH
 
     6148, December 19, midnight.  (SECTION FIVE)
 
     One point in this connection is clear namely that if it suited Japan's interests she would 
 
immediately declare war on Russia and the fact that she has not done so has considerable
significance.  It has also to be borne in mind that she will declare war just so soon as it suits her. 
What has to be examined is whether it is equally in Russia's interests to avoid war with Japan. 
The fact that Russia's entry into war with Japan would make available the 90 submarines in the
Far East as well as enabling air bombardment of Japan to be undertaken from Vladivostok are of
great importance.
     Two.  Russia.
     The fact that the Germans have abandoned their offensive is of the greatest significance. 
It is of paramount importance, however, to determine whether this is due to the Germans being in
serious difficulties as to which there is considerable evidence or whether