c. Weakening of Japan toward Russia by- tying up Japan's entire strength against China* Foreign Minister answered to this: To a. Every further aggravation against England ought to he avoided. Corresponding severe in¬structions have been issued to the army for avoidance of incident* To b* Chiang Kai-shek is, in any event, falling under the Communistic influence more and more* The con¬tinuance of operations, therefore, does not mean aggrava¬tion. To c* My considerations are justified in case of prolonged continuation of the war, but fibIs could certainly not be counted on. "4) The rupture of connection with Chinese government and the severe declaration was decided upon only after violent debate of many hours in which a part of the military authorities supported continuation of the negotiations* DIRKSEN" (d) Document 1274, (Exhibit No. ): "Telegram "(Secret Cipher Process) "TOP SECRET