Episode 88: Dale Jenkins, Author of Diplomats and Admirals

This week we welcome Dale Jenkins, Author of DIPLOMATS AND ADMIRALS: From Failed Negotiations and Tragic Misjudgments to Powerful Leaders and Historic Deeds, the Untold Story of the U.S. Navy’s Victories at Coral sea and Midway.  Diplomats and Admirals argues that the war in the Pacific was the result of internal divisions in both the United States and Japan, and possible duplicity within the Roosevelt administration.  After continued Japanese expansion in the Pacific in 1941 and the total oil embargo imposed by Dean Acheson, the threat of war escalated.  Japanese Prime Minister Konoe realized war with the United States would be disastrous for Japan.  He made strenuous attempts to arrange a summit meeting with President Roosevelt but was continually rebuffed by Secretary of State Cordell Hull and his pro-China advisors Stanley Hornbeck and Alger Hiss.  Roosevelt’s War Council, oblivious to the power of the Japanese Navy, believed the oil embargo would force Japan to withdraw from southern Indo-China.  An agreement with Japan was within reach at the end of November 1941, but Chiang Kai-Shek and Madame Chiang exerted powerful lobbying pressure to prevent an agreement – they wanted the United States in the war to aid China.  In response, Hull delivered a demanding diplomatic note, known forever as the Hull Note of November 26, which the Japanese viewed as an ultimatum.  The result was Pearl Harbor.  Diplomats and Admirals' penetrating historical descriptions and insights before and during WWII and across continents and oceans, culminates at the Battle of Midway, where U.S. Navy carrier pilots snatched victory from defeat in the last possible moments– a decisive victory that stopped further Japanese expansion and turned the momentum of the Pacific War from Japan to the United States.  We discuss the parallels between that time, and our current geo-political climate, specifically Russia and China.  Dale analyzes why if we do not learn from history we are doomed to repeat it.  The greatest generation is front and center in this week's interview.

For more information about Dale Jenkins and his book Diplomats and Admirals go to https://daleajenkins.com

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