`New York Times' Coverage of 1932 to 1948 History Revisited: Part 5

Between 1932 and 1948, the New York Times newspaper claimed to always be providing its readers with accurate information about what was going on during the 1932 to 1948 period of world history. But between 1932 and 1948, the New York Times sometimes printed articles that turned out to be historically accurate; and sometimes also printed articles that turned out to be historically inaccurate.

In its July 27, 1941 issue, for example, the New York Times published an article from Tokyo, dated July 26,1941, by Otto Touschus which stated:

"Within a few hours after President Roosevelt's order freezing Japanese assets and credits in the United States was announced, the Japanese Government retaliated by freezing the assets and credits of American and Philippine nations and corporations within the Japanese Empire...Therewith...has begun an open economic war between the United States and the British Empire on the one hand and the Japanese Empire...It risks, in the words of the ultra-nationalist Nicki Nichi...but `one step from armed warfare.'...As regards the American and British freezing orders, it is generally admitted here that it is bound to have a crippling effect on Japan's trade..."

And in a September 21, 1941 article, headlined "Aim Of President Is War, Nye Says," the New York Times stated:

"Senator Gerald P. Nye appealed last night to `all loyal Americans' to oppose President Roosevelt's foreign policy program...on the grounds that it represented a deliberate attempt by the President and British leaders to involve this country against its will in the war...."

Then, in a November 1, 1941 article, headlined "Reuben James Hit: First American Warship Lost In War Torpedoed West Of Iceland," the New York Times stated:

"The United States lost its first warship in the Battle of the Atlantic when the destroyer Reuben James was torpedoed and sunk last night west of Iceland while on convoy duty...Forty-four members of the crew had been rescued. It was without word, however, as to the fate of the other members of the crew of 120 officers and men which make up her complement..."

And on November 5, 1941, the New York Times published an article headlined "Japanese Ask U.S. To Reverse Stand Or Face Conflict."

But in a November 12, 1941 article, headlined "President Warns Nation Is Facing World War Again," the New York Times reported that "President Roosevelt declared in his address that this country may be forced by Germany into another war..."

Then on December 1, 1941, the New York Times published an article headlined "U.S. Principles Rejected By Japanese As `Fantastic.'"

Yet in a December 4, 1941 article, headlined "Singapore Doubts Japanese Threats: Arrival Of The British Fleet Is Expected To Cause Tokyo To Order General Retreat," the New York Times stated:

"Political observers here say the arrival of the British fleet brought powerful new pressure on the Japanese in connection with the Washington negotiations and believe it may be decisive in forcing Japan to drop her plans for new aggressions and to begin a general retreat."  (end of part 5)