THE NEW YORK TIMES, Aug. 17, 1941

* President Franklin D. Roosevelt - FDR
* United States not close to entering WWII
* Tensions with Japan re. American hostages ?

The top of the front page has a five column headline: "ROOSEVELT DECLARES U. S. IS NO NEARER WAR; REVEALS FULL ACCORD ON WORLD CONFLICT" with subheads and related photo. Also a two column heading: "Japan Refuses to Permit 100 Americans to Depart" We these Americans used as bargaining chips prior to the Pearl Harbor attack ?
Complete with 42 pages, rag edition in nice condition.