so that they asked me to urge Japan to approach Italy with the same proposition and requested me to go to Italy as the Japanese had only a charge d'affaires at that time. I despatched a communica¬tion to the Foreign Office requesting permission to do this and received in return an O.K. (the Foreign Minister at this time was definitely ARITA) • Upon receipt of this permission around the middle of December 1938, I proceeded to Rome and there met MUSSOLINI, getting from him the same answer that Germany had earlier received. However, very early in January 193 9, I heard from the German Government (RIBBENTROP) that Italy had communicated with them to the effect that she was ready to join in at any time. . . * * * Interrogation of QSHIMA, Hiroshi, of 7 February 1946, pp. 54 to 59: "Q. General, you may continue with your recital of your story of the Tri-Party Pact from the point where you left off when we adjourned yesterday. WA. In regard to what I spoke to you about yesterday, I would like to have you read back to me the portion of the transcript following my despatching the first communication to Japan as Ambassador. ,fQ. The reporter will read that portion of the transcript. (The same was read by Miss Brunner).