Page 149

Parent Collaboration Between Japan, Germany and Italy Volume III
Date 23 February 1940
Language English
Collection Tavenner Papers & IMTFE Official Records
Box Box 15
Folder Japan, Germany, Italy Collaboration Vol 3
Repository University of Virginia Law Library
and with a superior smile would dispose of all foolish attempts to discover disunity among the axis powers. "Berlin, 18 April 1939." (7) In the early part of May 1939 RIBBENTROP advised Ambassador OSHIMA that a bi-lateral pact of alliance between Germany and Italy would be entered into and Urged that the Japanese Government reach its final decision quickly so that it will be possible to formulate a secret Tripartite Pact simultaneously with the signing of the German-Italian Pact. RIBBENTROP declared that Germany and Italy were firmly determined to keep their policy towards Japan, and pointed out that it must be clear to Japan that the consolidation of her position in East Asia, and particularly in China, depends first upon the superiority of the Axis powers over the western powers. The German-Italian Pact was concluded on 22 May 1939* Proof German Embassy (a) Document 1382, (Exhibit No. ): "Berlin, 15 May 1939 TokyoTelegram in ciphers No. 158 (Secret Cipher Process) Exclusively for the Ambassador personally in answer to telegram No. 197 "The other day I informed Ambassador OSHIMA in agreement with the Italian Government regarding the German and Italian viewpoint as follows: "(1) The German and Italian Governments are willing to continue the, political line they had followed up to the present toward Japan unchanged. "(2) The two Governments have decided to sign a bi¬lateral pact of alliance during this month because they find it proper to counter the political activities displayed by the Western Powers for propaganda purposes with a quick counter-action.