japanreviewRussian Japanology ReviewRussian Japanology Review2658-67892658-6444Association of Japanologists10.55105/2658-6444-2025-1-73-92japanreview-119Research ArticleСтатьиFrom the Khalkhin Gol Events to the Neutrality Pact: Relations Between the USSR and Japan in the Reports of Soviet Diplomats in Tokyo (1939–1941)https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7091-9328DegtevI. A.

DEGTEV Ivan Andreevich – Post-Graduate student, School of International Relations

 

ivan.degtev@mail.ruSaint Petersburg State UniversityRussian Federation202523072025817392Copyright © Degtev I.A., 20252025Degtev I.A.Degtev I.A.Данная работа распространяется под лицензией Creative Commons Attribution 4.0.This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.https://www.japanreview.ru/jour/article/view/119

In the late 1930s and early 1940s, Soviet-Japanese relations were going through difficult times. The Mongolian issue and border incidents continually worsened bilateral contacts. In a state of hostility and open confrontation, the authorities of both countries detained and rummaged fishing vessels, artificially whipped up spy mania, increased pressure on left-wing elements (Japan) and arrested those who were associated with the enemy side through scientific or other work (the USSR). Limiting himself to two events from Soviet-Japanese history of this time, the author analyzes how Soviet-Japanese relations and the atmosphere of mutual perception changed in the period between the end of the Khalkhin Gol River conflict (1939) and the signing of the Neutrality Pact (1941).Using reports from employees of the USSR Plenipotentiary Mission in Tokyo as an example, the author examines how Japan’s attempt to begin building “new relations” with the USSR affected the position of Soviet diplomats and influenced the degree and quality of interaction between them and the Japanese.

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The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest present.