well as the international press, especially in connection with the intensification of the situation in Europe, In this connection the younger officers and active circles are expressing the hope for a conflict in Europe which might remove the pressure of the great powers in the Far East. OTT" (b) Document 1418, D (Exhibit No. ) “Diary of Count CIANO *** “Febraury 6, 1939: . . . ‘The Japanese Ambassador is skeptical about the possibility of an early conclusion of the triple alliance. He believes that the Japanese counter-proposal will be a compromise proposal which he himself advises us not to accept.’ “March 6, 1939: . . . ‘News from Berlin confirms that the Japanese Government objects to the signing of the Tripartite Pact. OSHIMA plans ot resign. He says that the Cabinet would fall. And then what? I do not see clearly. Is it really possible to involve distant Japan deeply in European political life, a life which is becoming increasingly complicated and uncertain, and which is subject to change, from one moment to the next, by a simple telephone call?’ ***