ABSTRACT
A preliminary comparison of the respective belief systems of President Eleanor Roosevelt and Ambassador Grew reveals markedly different images of Japan. Roosevelt's initial image of Japan was formed as an antithesis of his romantic and idealistic image of China. Similarly, in October 1940 Roosevelt strongly objected to Henry, Jr Morgenthau's pleas for a strong policy against Japan, reminding him that the president and the secretary of state alone were "handling foreign affairs." An examination of Roosevelt's original modus vivendi proposal and Grew's numerous cables throughout 1941 indicates that both aimed at a limited and temporary agreement with Japan which would create a more conciliatory and dispassionate atmosphere, thereby strengthening the moderate faction within the Japanese leadership. In evaluating the policies advocated by President Roosevelt and Ambassador Grew, it is essential to analyze the decision-making process within the Roosevelt administration, particularly during the second half of 1941.
