21 Feb. 1946 STATEMENT During the interrogation on February 20th, I was asked whether any preparations had been made for MATSUOKA’s visit; you said, further, that you had in your possession certain intelligence to the effect that such preparations were made. After returning from the Interrogation I thought it over and the following points come to mind: (1) Had the Japanese Government given any specific orders on this point? (2) Did I on my own initiative make any preparations? (3) Did Ribbentrop bring up the matter (of preparations)? Thinking this over, following yesterday’s interrogation, I can definitely state No to points (1) and (2), and also to point (3). Even if such talks had been entered into regarding preparations for the visit, this was within my prerogatives as Ambassador, and there is no reason for me to hide the fact. Further, if such preparations had been made, your examination would reveal this, and for this reason I would have no reason to withhold the information. Should you discover I had held out on you, it would reflect upon my honor, and within the bounds of my conscience, I find it impossible to lie to you about this. Signed OSHIMA, Hiroshi (Translator’s note: This is not a literal translation, but is correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.) 129