On 4 September 1940, there was a Four Ministers Con¬ference between Prime Minister K0N0YE, Foreign Minister MATSUOKA, War Minister T0J0, and the Navy Minister which was followed by a Liaison Conference on 19 September 1940. It was decided that "the time is now ripe for speedy initiation of conversations" among Japan, Germany and Italy for the strengthening of the Axis, and the commencement of negotiations was proposed. 191 The basic principles governing the negotiations were determined to be: 1.To make a fundamental agreement among the three countries, in order that they should mutually cooperate by all possible means in the establish¬ment of a new order in Europe and in Asia. In this connection, it was stated, "Inasmuch as the proposed declaration is to the effect that the three coun¬tries will cooperate by all possible means for the construction of the respective New Orders, Japan should be resolved, if need be, to take any action, including recourse to armed force." It v/as explained that if Germany did not immediately require armed cooperation against Britain, the Japanese objective would be the United States. It was recognized that unless Japan was "resolved on the employment of armed force, it will be impossible for us to carry on any useful talks with Germany.” 192 2.To carry out consultations, among the three countries in as short a period as possible in regard to the 191.Exhibit 541, TP 6,307 192.Exhibit 541, TP 6,308 – 6,309