Doc. No. 6907 and that as to Japan's future plans he expected to take measures to Increase war strength by Improving as far as possible the inner structure of Japan's forces. Chief of the Planning Board HOSHINO reported that a great deal had been accomplished in storing up a supply of fuel oils, gasoline for aeroplanes in particular; that in the event of a long term war steps would be taken for procuring necessary materials from the Dutch East Indies, Sakhalin and elsewhere, and that in the mobilization program as to materials the center of gravity was laid on the items for military purposes. Councillor ARIMA made the statement that if Japanese- American hostilities were at all events unavoidable it might be best to avail of the present opportunity and Chairman of the Committee SUZUKI expressed the view that Japan must be resolved to anticipate a Japanese-American war as inevitable. With unprecedented speed the pact was concluded on 27 September 1940. By its provisions Japan, Germany and Italy attempted to apportion the world by establishing areas in which the leadership of the respective powers was recognized. Each pledged full cooperation in the establishment of leadership within the sphere of the others, and political, economic and military aid was pledged in the event of an attack against any one of the signatories by a nation not then Involved in the European war or in the war with China. It was provided that the terms of the pact did not in any way affect the political status which existed between each of the signatories and the Soviet Union. This pact in its essence contained the ultimate development of the plot of the aggressive powers directed