of talking to me* To the best of my knowledge the following is more or less what he said on this occasion: (1) that what' he said was not based on talks with HITLER or any other official, and (2) that he felt that Germany would not particularly approve or like a treaty agreeing to consult only, as this was somewhat one-sided and not strong enough, and (3) that he suggested a mutual aid treaty instead aimed not only at the U.S.S.JU ? but all countries* In other words, what he meant was that a German-Japanese pact would, if strong enough, hope to preserve world peace* Germany was particularly fond of statements of this sort at the time. MQ. At this time in what capacity was RIBEENTROP in the German Government - the Foreign Minister or an official in the office of the Foreign Minister? "A. He was Foreign Minister at the time and had been for several months. I told RIBBENTROP that I thought it would be extremely difficult for Japan to agree to expand her objective to a place where she would agree to a mutual aid pact aimed at the world in general, as she was only prepared to act against Russia. RIBBENTROP in return stated that he did not wish Japan to do anything that was outside her power to do, but that a strong pact was vitally