No. 269
FROM: Tokyo
TO: Berlin
March 11, 1941
# 217.
Regarding your # 244 [a].
Some changes may be necessary due to conferences, but my schedule is as follows:
Arrive Berlin about the 17th or the 18th, proceed to Rome about the 3rd or the 4th. Return to Berlin two or three days later. Remain in Berlin two or three days and proceed to Moscow.
I wish to avoid traveling by plane as much as possible.
[a] Not available.
Trans. 3-13-41
No. 270
FROM: Berlin (Osima)
TO: Tokyo
March 26, 1941
# 311.
Strictly Secret.
One portion of Minister MATSUOKA’s program is as follows. Please handle this in great secrecy. Inasmuch as we are not making a public announcement of this program all at one time here, please arrange to publish on each day the program for the following day.
The 26th. 6:00 P.M. Arrive at Anhalter station, taking up lodging in the
Bellevue Palace. No functions are scheduled on that
day.
The 27th. 10:45 A.M. Will be presented with EHREN flowers.
11:00 A.M. Interview with Foreign Minister VON RIBBENTROP.
2:00 P.M. Lunch with VON RIBBENTROP.
4:00 P.M. Interview with Chancellor HITLER.
8:00 P.M. Banquet given by Foreign Minister VON RIBBENTROP.
The 28th. 11:00 A.M. An interview with Economic Minister FUNK.
2:00 P.M. Lunch with Chancellor HITLER, followed by an inter-
view with German and foreign newspaper corres-
pondents.
7:00 P.M. Meeting with the Japanese Society.
8:00 P.M. Banquet given by Ambassador OSIMA.
The 29th. Lunch with GOERING.
6:00 P.M. Ambassadorial reception.
The 30th. Sightseeing in Potsdam. Lunch with the Foreign
Minister (in the ancient palace).
4:30 P.M. Leave Berlin for Rome.
Trans. 3-29-41
Page A-145
No. 271
FROM: Rome
TO: Moscow
March 18, 1941
No number.
Message to Tokyo # 153.
It was rumored about in the press club here in Rome that after Minister MATSUOKA’s trip to Berlin and Rome, he is going to visit Vichy and London. The supposition was advanced that perhaps he was going to try some mediation in the European war. We shall have to be careful about such things as this.
Trans. 3-20-41
No. 272
FROM: Berlin
TO: Hsinking
March 12, 1941
# 45.
Concerning German-Yugoslav relations, I have received a confidential report from quarters connected with the Propaganda Department, according to which Yugoslavia will join the Tri-Partite Alliance on the occasion of Foreign Minister Matsuoka’s arrival in Berlin.
Trans. 3-20-41
No. 273
FROM: Berlin (Osima)
TO: Tokyo
March 18, 1941
# 281.
To be handled in Government Code.
Today, the 18th, on the occasion of a talk with Foreign Minister RIBBENTROP, he told me that Yugoslavia will sign the Three-Power Treaty by means of a protocol within a few days. (The place is not yet decided.) He requested me to wire my government for authority to sign immediately.
Trans. 3-19-41
No. 274
FROM: Tokyo (Konoe)
TO: Berlin
March 19, 1941
# 248.
Re your # 281 [a].
As I have completed reporting this matter to the Emperor on the 10th, please sign in the usual manner.
[a] See I, 273. Yugoslavia is joining Tripartite Pact. I request permission to sign for Japan.
Trans. 3-20-41
Page A-146
No. 275
FROM: Tokyo (Konoe)
TO: Moscow
March 20, 1941
# 291.
To be handled in Government Code.
To Minister MATSUOKA.
# 248 from this Minister Pro-Tem to the Ambassador in Germany. Re your # 281 [a].
On the 19th of this month I took this petition to the Emperor; therefore, please sign your name in accordance with precedent.
[a] See I, 273; in which Berlin informs Tokyo that Yugoslavia will sign the Three-Power Treaty by means of a protocol within a few days.
Trans. 3-22-41
No. 276
FROM: Berlin (Osima) Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
TO: Tokyo
March 26, 1941
# 310.
On the 25th in Vienna, after signing the protocol for the participation of Yugoslavia in the Tripartite Agreement, when I talked with Chancellor HITLER, he said he would make an opportunity for an informal and intimate exchange of opinions inasmuch as Foreign Minister MATSUOKA has deliberately made a long trip to Germany in connection with future Japanese-German cooperation.
Trans. 3-29-41
No. 277
FROM: Tokyo
TO: Berlin
March 14, 1941
# 224.
Strictly Secret. Message to Moscow # 262.
Re your # 279 [a].
I expect to stay in Moscow two days and would like to leave at 11:00 p.m. on the 25th; however, if my plans described in my # 260 turn out satisfactorily, I would stay one day longer.
Relayed to Germany.
[a] Not available.
Trans. 3-13-41
Page A-147
No. 278
FROM: Tokyo
TO: Berlin
March 1 1941
# 222.
Message to Moscow # 260.
On the occasion of my trip to Europe I am very anxious, if possible, to try to get the Russians to accept the Ribbentrop proposal. Now, in order to achieve this, I would like to have interviews with MOLOTOV and STALIN. Through an exchange of views I think it is quite possible that I might dispel the deep-seated suspicion and doubt entertained by the Kremlin. If you agree with me, please negotiate for these interviews and wire back to the Home Office and also to our Minister in Hsinking. This message was sent to Berlin.
Trans. 3-13-41
No. 279
FROM: Moscow (Tatekawa)
TO: Harbin
March 14, 1941
# 5.
(Separate message to Foreign Minister Matsuoka # 1)
Re your # 260 [a].
1. I must point out that German-Soviet relations have changed considerably very recently because of the Balkan situation. In our three-way relations with Moscow we must do nothing without previously consulting fully with the German statesmen themselves.
2. In an interview I have had with STALIN I got the impression that even though you conferred with MOLOTOV you have no chance of getting any clearer idea of the prospect for future Japanese-Soviet relations and that you might even damage the situation.
3. Therefore, I think that you had better follow your pre-arranged schedule and make arrangements to leave here at midnight on the 25th. Ambassador OSIMA is of the same opinion.
Relayed to Tokyo.
[a] See I, 278.
Trans. 3-19-41
No. 280
FROM: Washington (Nomura)
TO: Tokyo (Gaimudaijin)
April 1, 1941
No number.
Action Rome as # ?.
To Minister Matsuoka:
Wakasugi was told by Roy Howard that should the Minister choose to return to Japan by way of the United States, following his visits to Germany and Italy, and if arrangements could be made for him to meet the President and other influential persons, the extremely tense relations which exist between the two countries may be considerably eased.
Page A-148
All arrangements for the duration of the Minister’s stay in the U.S. could be left up to “HA” (Howard ?) who will undoubtedly make the same efforts as those he made when the Minister passed through the U.S. on his return from Geneva in 1933, he said.
Wakasugi was thus urged to send a cable to the Minister to advise him to come to the U.S.
Taking into consideration the Minister’s mission on this trip as well as his schedule and various other factors, Wakasugi hesitated to do so.
Last night a special messenger from (Howard’s Washington office ?) called on Wakasugi, and said that arrangements for the Minister to meet with the President, as well as for reserving a seat on a plane from (Lisbon ?) have already unofficially been made, and only await the Ministers agreement to come to the U.S.
Wakasugi was thus urged again to dispatch the cable to the Minister.
We realize, of course, that undoubtedly the Minster’s schedule has already been definitely decided upon. However, in view of the fact that it is reported that even the Presidential circles would welcome the visit, and moreover, because the above mentioned person is so sincerely eager about it, we would appreciate some reply from the Minister to pass on to him.
According to what the special messenger let drop to Wakasugi, Howard is anxious to go to China and Japan after the Minister meets with the President, as a confidential emissary of the President, to act as mediator between Japan and China. Unofficially, he has already obtained the approval of persons very close to the President, he said.
This message has been sent to Tokyo.
Trans. 4-4-41
No. 281
FROM: Moscow (Tatekawa) Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire
TO: Washington (Koshi)
April 7, 1941
# 1.
From Matsuoka. Regarding your message to Italy.
Please convey the following to HAWAADO [a].
The telegram reached me after my departure from Germany and as I am now on my way home I regret very much that I cannot act upon your suggestion. However, please accept my sincere appreciation for your interest in American-Japanese relations and in world peace. Please also convey my good wishes to the President for his good will. This message has also been sent to Tokyo.
[a] Roy Howard. See I, 280.
Trans. 4-9-41
No. 282
FROM: Rome
TO: Tokyo
April 1, 1941
# 182.
(Abstract)
Matsuoka reports on his audience with the King of Italy. The King points out that Japan is indeed very fortunate in being so placed geographically as to escape the horrors of air attacks. Matsuoka said that Japan was unified in its respect for Italian fighting and is completely in
Page A-149
sympathy with Italy’s aims. Matsuoka expresses gratitude for the expression of welcome given him on his arrival. After audience, all members of the party were given decorations.
Trans. 4-9-41
No. 283
FROM: Rome
TO: Tokyo
April 2,1941
# 184.
From Minister MATSUOKA.
On the afternoon of the 1st I had an interview with Foreign Minister CIANO (45 minutes long) which continued into my conversations with Premier MUSSOLINI (lasting 1 hour and 10 minutes). Both men welcomed me from their hearts. The general trend of the war against England was explained in as detailed a manner as possible by CIANO and summarized by MUSSOLINI, as was also the situation in the Mediterranean and North African areas. Some very instructive opinions were exchanged.
In summing up my interview with MUSSOLINI (though we used English, on occasion CIANO interpreted), he recalled our extremely frank and pleasant interview of eight years ago. Though we did not go very deep during the course of the conversations, MUSSOLINI remarked that his close collaboration with HITLER was very strong and that there was not the slightest breach between the two countries. With regard to the future aspect of the war, too, he exhibited an optimistic attitude. And again, MUSSOLINI referred to the attitude of the Soviet, but expressed the opinion that the Soviet would make no move. Furthermore, Germany and Italy were endeavoring to avoid all complications with that country. But putting first things first, at the present time relations with the United States were of the greatest importance. The United States was carrying out a policy of deliberately provoking war. And again, in respect to the Balkan situation, the Yugoslavian crisis will be settled without much ado. The Grecian question, as it relates to the Yugoslavian situation, is of great importance. Discussion was omitted on other points.
Though MUSSOLINI spoke with great feeling, our conversations from start to finish were in good humor. His health seemed to be excellent. Aside from the fact that he is getting older, it would be hard to say that he has changed much with the passage of the years. He revealed a great deal of self-confidence.
Now, Ambassador HORIKIRI sat in these conversations with me.
Relayed to England, Washington, Germany and Russia.
Trans. 4-3-41
No. 284
FROM: Rome
TO: Tokyo
April 2, 1941
# 185.
From Foreign Minister MATSUOKA.
During the talk with MUSSOLINI referred to in my message # 184 [a] I explained to him the Japanese peace plans in China and relations between Japan and the Nanking Government, and said that should there be any change in the situation upon my return to Japan I would let him know the status quo. Further, I said that when I find that the conditions warrant it I
Page A-150
may ask the several countries to recognize the Nanking Government. MUSSOLINI answered definitely that he is willing to announce the recognition at any time the Japanese Government so desires.
[a] See I, 283.
Trans. 4-4-41
Tahiti 