April 13, 1941. Non Aggression and Aggression

The Soviet Union and the Empire of Japan signed a five year non aggression pact.  It stated:

The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, guided by a desire to strengthen peaceful and friendly relations between the two countries, have decided to conclude a pact on neutrality, for which purpose they have appointed as their Representatives:

• The Presidum of the Supreme Soviet of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics -
  • Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Molotov, Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars and People's Commissar of Foreign Affairs of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics;
• His Majesty the Emperor of Japan -
  • Yosuke Matsuoka, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jusanmin, Cavalier of the Order of the Sacred Treasure of the First Class, and
  • Yoshitsugu Tatekawa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Lieutenant General, Jusanmin, Cavalier of the Order of the Rising Sun of the First Class and the Order of the Golden Kite of the Fourth Class,

who, after an exchange of their credentials, which were found in due and proper form, have agreed on the following:

• Article one: Both Contracting Parties undertake to maintain peaceful and friendly relations between them and mutually respect the territorial integrity and inviolability of the other Contracting Party.
• Article two: Should one of the Contracting Parties become the object of hostilities on the part of one or several third powers, the other Contracting Party will observe neutrality throughout the duration of the conflict.
• Article three: The present Pact comes into force from the day of its ratification by both Contracting Parties and remains valid for five years. In case neither of the Contracting Parties denounces the Pact one year before the expiration of the term, it will be considered automatically prolonged for the next five years.
• Article four: The present Pact is subject to ratification as soon as possible. The instruments of ratification shall be exchanged in Tokyo, also as soon as possible.

In confirmation whereof the above-named Representatives have signed the present Pact in two copies, drawn up in the Russian and Japanese languages, and affixed thereto their seals.

Done in Moscow on April 13, 1941, which corresponds to the 13th day of the fourth month of the 16th year of Showa.

V. Molotov; Yosuke Matsuoka; Yoshitsugu Tatekawa

The USSR violated it before its expiration, going to war with Japan in 1945.

Well. . . .it did.

The Soviet Union's late entry into the war was inevitable if cynical.  The treaty had served its purpose by then allowing the USSR a free hand against Nazi Germany for four years and allowing Japan a free hand against the Western Allies for the same period of time.

On the same day, the USSR and the Japanese Empire reached an accord on Mongolia and Manchuria which stated:

In conformity with the spirit of the Pact on neutrality concluded on April 13, 1941, between the U.S.S.R. and Japan, the Government of the U.S.S.R. and the Government of Japan, in the interest of insuring peaceful and friendly relations between the two countries, solemnly declare that the U.S.S.R. pledges to respect the territorial integrity and inviolability of Manchoukuo and Japan pledges to respect the territorial integrity and inviolability of the Mongolian People's Republic.

Moscow, April 13, 1941

On behalf of the Government of the U.S.S.R.

V. MOLOTOV

On behalf of the Government of Japan

YOSUKE MATSUOKA YOSHITSUGU TATEKAWA

Pope Pius XII held Easter Mass inside a chapel in the Vatican rather in St. Peter's Square due to the war.

Today in World War II History—April 13, 1941

The Germans were advancing rapidly everywhere in Greece.  And the Germans took Belgrade.