American officials wanted visible concessions before a summit, while Japanese leaders expected the meeting itself to produce an agreement. Japanese politicians also faced violent domestic factions that treated even friendly contact with the American ambassador as suspect. Neither side's usual method gave the other side's moderates enough political room to act. The deadlock made political communication part of the road to the Pacific War, alongside disputes over territory and sanctions.
Chapter · 4:06-12:22
Why diplomacy with Japan stalled in 1941
Incompatible diplomatic customs and Japan's fragmented politics made a Roosevelt summit exceptionally difficult.