From 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://doi.org/10.55105/2658-6444-2025-1-73-92
Abstract
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.
About the Author
I. A. Degtev
Saint Petersburg State University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
DEGTEV Ivan Andreevich – Post-Graduate student, School of International Relations
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Review
For citations:
Degtev I.A. From the Khalkhin Gol Events to the Neutrality Pact: Relations Between the USSR and Japan in the Reports of Soviet Diplomats in Tokyo (1939–1941). Russian Japanology Review. 2025;8(1):73-92. https://doi.org/10.55105/2658-6444-2025-1-73-92
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