no re and more of the com ion plan for the accomplishment of the so-called divine nission which thov wore preparing to impose upon East Asia and the world by resorting to aggressive warfare to the extent necessary for the accomplishment of their objectives. In the southern areas French Indo-China occupied a strategic position of the highest importance. Her northern frontier skirted the southern frontier of China and joined that country with Sian and Buri'ia, thus establishing a line of comr.uni- cation with Pelping, Hankow, Canton, Hanoi and Bangkok. Japanese control of French Indo-China was also necessary for contemplated military operations against J la lay a, Singapore, the Netherlands- 3ast Indies and the Philippines. In addition, Indo-China was rich in natural resources vitally needed by the Japanese economy for continuance of war. In January 1938 Prime Minister IiiliOTA advised Germany at the time of breaking off peace discussions with China that an advance on Hainan Island, a French possession, was not 51 being planned for the time being.” 110 This was followed by a decision of the Five Ministers' Conference on 25 November 1938, in which it was declared that Hainan Island "will be captured by military action in case of necessity.” 111 On 10 February 1939 Hainan Island fell in a surprise attack by Japanese naval and military forces. 112 This was the first step in Japanese military aggress¬ion in the areas south of China and in the South Seas. It was 110.See Note 34. 111.Exhibit 612, TP 6,731. 112.Exhibit 613-A, TP 6,733.