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Parent | Doc. 6907 - Collaboration Between Japan, Germany and Italy, Volume 1 - Opening Statement |
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Date | |
Language | English |
Collection | Tavenner Papers & IMTFE Official Records |
Box | Box 15 |
Folder | Japan, Germany, Italy Collaboration Vol 1 |
Repository | University of Virginia Law Library |
Doc. No. 6907
moment, he said, in order to take advantage of this unique condition of affairs. Finally, he requested RIBBENTROP to assist the Tri-Partite Powers Commissions, and especially the Economic Commission, in the performance of their functions.
The commissions formed under the provisions of the Tri- Partite pact included in their membership the accused, MATSUOKA, Yosuke; OSHIMA, Hiroshi; TOGO, Shigenori; MUTO, Akira; OKA, Takasumi; and SATO, Kenryo.
On 24 May 1941 a report was made by the German Military Attache in Tokyo to the German Foreign Intelligence Office that Japan acknowledged her treaty obligations in event the United States entered the war, but that hostilities would not be opened immediately. He added, however, that Japanese preparations for attack on Singapore and Manila stand.
On 22 June 1941 Germany invaded Russia. RIBBENTROP reiterated the grea; importance from the standpoint of Japanese interests of a drive toward the south in the direc¬tion of Singapore, but advised that in view of her present unpreparedness for this action, Japan would solve her Russian question by joining Germany in the war against Russia. After the anticipated swift downfall of Soviet Russia, he said, Japan, safe in the rear, would be free to make a drive in the south.
At the important Imperial conference of 2 July 1941 a resolution was adopted which had the effect of postponing definite action on Germany's request that an attack be made on the Soviet Union from the East. At the same time a renewal of determination was voiced to establish the so-called "Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere," regardless of any