And at an appropriate time the right of the belligerent will be invoked against the Chiang Kai-shek regime, and the enemy concessions in China will be seized. 2. Japan will for the sake of self-existence and self-preservation continue the necessary diplomatic negotiations regarding the vital areas in the south, and promote the various measures. For this purpose, preparations for war will be completed against Britain and America; various measures regarding French Indo-China and Thailand will be executed as under “Outline of Measures relating to French Indo-China and Thailand” and “Matters relating to Promotion of the Measures in the South,” thereby strengthening our position for southward advance. Japan will risk a war with Britain and America for the sake of achieving the present objective. 3. As regards the German-Soviet War, Japan’s actions will be based on the spirit of the Tripartite Axis. But without involving herself therein for the time being, and will secretly complete military preparations, and deal with the situation independently. Meanwhile diplomatic negotiations will be carried on with minutest care. In case the German-Soviet war develops to the advantage of Japan, we will use armed force and solve the problem of the north, ensuring thereby the security of the northern frontier. 4. In executing the program mentioned above and in deciding upon various measures especially upon the use of armed force, care will be taken no to cause great handicap in the maintenance of the fundamental position for war with Britain and America. 5. Although everything will be done according to our fixed policy through diplomatic and other means to prevent America’s participation in the war, Japan will act in accordance with the Tripartite Pact in case America by any chance, joins in the war. However, the time and manner of the use of armed force will be determined independently. 6. We will proceed immediately with the task of perfecting thoroughly the internal war time structure – especially of reinforcing the defense of the land. 7. Concrete measures will be determined separately.