"Record of tYe Proceedings of the Privy Councilfs Session* "Subject: Conclusion of the Protocol between Japan, Italy and Germany* "The session was opened on the 6th (Saturday) of November of the 12th year of Showa /1937/, at 10:10 a.m. . . . "The members who were present: HIRANUMA, President Ministers:* * * * * * HIROTA, Foreign Minister Seat No. 6 * ♦ * KAYA, Finance MinisterSeat No. 12 * * * "Councillor SHIMIZU: I would like to know the reasons why Manchukuo could not be allowed to participate in this Anti- Comintern Pact. "Foreign Minister HIROTA: I think that as Manchukuo1 s diplomacy is carried out with Japan as its center, there is no necessity of letting Manchukuo participate directly in the agreement. It is true that Manchukuo is an independent state, but it will require adequate consideration to let her act internationally. However, as a matter of fact, the application of this Treaty on Japan would naturally result in extending to Manchukuo." * * *