"Your second question is whether or not Japan has asked Italy to participate in the Secret Pact which exists between Japan and Germany, or whether or not Italy has expressed the desire to participate in it. For the present the government is only considering the above-mentioned strengthening of the substance of the Pact. Neither have we asked Italy to participate in the Secret Pact nor has Italy expressed the desire to participate in it. "You further asked if it is not necessary to conclude secret pacts with Manchukuo and Hungary. The qualitative strengthening of the anti-Comintern Pact can hardly be expected merely from the Increase in the number of the participating countries. Since it depends on the close mutual collaboration among the powers having the greatest interest and possessing real strength, I consider there is no need to think about it with respect to the above- mentioned two countries. "No. 26 (ISHIZUXA) "I now understand it generally. The government is now considering to strengthen the substance of the antl- comintera Pact. In view of the fact that the Soviet Union's aid to Chiang Kai-shek has lately become more and more blunt, I hope this would be carried out speedily and endorse this bill. "No. 22 (ISHII) "The participation of Manchukuo and Hungary in the anti-Comintern Pact strengthens it quantitatively and I too am in favor of it. May I ask whether Italy, when