Tourism Bookings NZ

Newly released Amelia Earhart documents reveal vivid details of Japan's role in search for doomed aviator

11 Dec 2025 By foxnews

Newly released Amelia Earhart documents reveal vivid details of Japan's role in search for doomed aviator

Tourism Bookings NZ introduces

The National Archives recently released the second batch of records related to famed American aviator Amelia Earhart - offering an in-depth look into her mysterious 1937 disappearance.

Over 3,700 pages were published on Nov. 25, with 56 PDF files providing information to the public. 

Among the documents was a memo detailing a conversation between then-Secretary of State Cordell Hull and Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Saito on July 13, 1937.

AMELIA EARHART MYSTERY EXPEDITION HALTED AS RESEARCHERS SEEK ANSWERS ON MISSING PLANE

Though it was public information that Japan participated in the search effort, the memo details the resources shared and highlights the specific cooperation between the two countries.

"Japan had two ships taking part in the search for Amelia Earhart … Their officials at Hawaii and other points had been instructed to keep closely posted on the search in the hope of being of some help," the document says, in part. 

Also included in the document drop is a press transcript between President Franklin D. Roosevelt and a reporter.

The specific exchange from July 20, 1937, adds context to the justification of the investigation's costs.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Roosevelt shared a dispatch from Honolulu, claiming the search was costing $4 million.

He also said Navy planes were required to log a certain number of hours per year and that the search counted toward it.

"There is no additional cost … whether they were [handling] a search problem of this kind or whether they were doing a maneuver," said Roosevelt.

First lady Eleanor Roosevelt was also involved in details related to the search for Earhart, helping to request an important radio log for pilot Paul Mantz.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

Mrs. Roosevelt penned a letter to then-Secretary of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau Jr., thanking him for helping her obtain copies for Mantz of the Itasca radio logs - the only records of the last contact with Earhart's flight.

Also included in the file is a newspaper clipping of a statement from Earhart's mother, Amy Otis Earhart, from July 24, 1949.

Amy Earthart stated that she believed her daughter "died in Japan" on "a United States government mission, probably on verbal orders" - and "not in the Pacific Ocean."

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Many of the conspiracy theories that are floated to this day regarding Earhart's story cite Japan as playing a role in her disappearance.

"I am equally sure she did not make a forced landing in the sea," Amy Earhart added.

Many researchers also hypothesize that aviation trailblazer Earhart did not crash her plane at sea, but instead landed and was stranded on Nikumaroro Island, later perishing there.

Purdue University recently delayed an expedition to search for Earhart's missing plane in Nikumaroro to next year, due to issues with permits, as well as hurricane season concerns.

Earhart was the first woman to fly nonstop solo across the U.S. on Aug. 24, 1932.

Are you looking for a holiday? Get special deals.

 

More News

Booking.com
Uber expands women driver preference nationwide
Uber expands women driver preference nationwide
Phishing scam exploits Apple Mail 'trusted sender' label
Phishing scam exploits Apple Mail 'trusted sender' label
Fox News AI Newsletter: Wall-climbing robots swarm US Navy warships
Fox News AI Newsletter: Wall-climbing robots swarm US Navy warships
Major cruise line cancels planned sailings, upending vacations: 'Definitely a disappointment'
Major cruise line cancels planned sailings, upending vacations: 'Definitely a disappointment'
Las Vegas poker rooms fold as casino tourism plummets to record lows
Las Vegas poker rooms fold as casino tourism plummets to record lows
Multiple beaches deemed unsafe as officials issue urgent health warnings to public
Multiple beaches deemed unsafe as officials issue urgent health warnings to public
Video captures crazy airport crowds as passengers pour into terminal after security checkpoints close
Video captures crazy airport crowds as passengers pour into terminal after security checkpoints close
Neil Sedaka's cause of death revealed after legendary singer died at 86
Neil Sedaka's cause of death revealed after legendary singer died at 86
Florida State kicker arrested for alleged battery on law enforcement during spring break
Florida State kicker arrested for alleged battery on law enforcement during spring break
Popular steakhouse's dress code sparks backlash as diners told to ditch hats or eat at the bar
Popular steakhouse's dress code sparks backlash as diners told to ditch hats or eat at the bar
Trump rates Macron 'an 8' as France and US split over Middle East strategy
Trump rates Macron 'an 8' as France and US split over Middle East strategy
Miley Cyrus admits the 'terrible habit' she learned from Dolly Parton
Miley Cyrus admits the 'terrible habit' she learned from Dolly Parton
Iran arrests 97 people it accuses of being 'soldiers of Israel' in massive crackdown
Iran arrests 97 people it accuses of being 'soldiers of Israel' in massive crackdown
LA mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt vows 'zero encampments' of homeless, no fentanyl on streets
LA mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt vows 'zero encampments' of homeless, no fentanyl on streets
High Point stuns Wisconsin in the first upset of March Madness with thrilling finish
High Point stuns Wisconsin in the first upset of March Madness with thrilling finish
Taylor Frankie Paul's 'Bachelorette' season axed amid domestic assault investigation
Taylor Frankie Paul's 'Bachelorette' season axed amid domestic assault investigation
Fox News 'Antisemitism Exposed' Newsletter: Democrats, Independents turn on Israel
Fox News 'Antisemitism Exposed' Newsletter: Democrats, Independents turn on Israel
'The View' co-host Joy Behar unloads on Fetterman for backing Trump's DHS pick
'The View' co-host Joy Behar unloads on Fetterman for backing Trump's DHS pick
Spring breakers caught on camera viciously attacking man in overnight street brawl
Spring breakers caught on camera viciously attacking man in overnight street brawl
CBS News' Margaret Brennan accused of mocking people of faith after Pete Hegseth's prayer remarks
CBS News' Margaret Brennan accused of mocking people of faith after Pete Hegseth's prayer remarks

copyright © 2026 Tourism Bookings NZ.   All rights reserved.