7 March 1946 of discussing tactical matters - in the first place, I would not know about them if there had been any plans, and, secondly, it is not my privilege or right to do so. Q. How do you justify ever discussing the proposed attack on Singapore with Hitler or Ribbentrop or anyone else in Germany? A. As the matter was brought up by the Germans, to talk about the overall matter of an attack was within my rights as Ambassador, but to go any further would not be. Let us say that I had in my possession the proposed Japanese plans for an attack on Singapore. Had I discussed them I would be violating a military secret. Q. General, what had happened that could in any manner justify the Germans ever bringing up with you the subject of a proposed attack on Singapore? A. In the first place, this was not anything official that Ribbentrop brought up, but simply his own personal view. I believe the Germans were interested in bringing up the matter in order to see whether Japan would abide by the provisions of the Tripartite Pact in case she (Germany) were to be attacked. For Germany to be concerned with what Japan might do is only natural. Q. There again, General, you justify this by the Tripartite Pact and I have to remind you that the provisions of the Tripartite Pact specifically exclude any action on the part of Japan with respect to Great Britain. A. Legally, it is as you say, but had the United States attacked Germany, it is only natural that Japan would have to take into account England’s stand, and be prepared for that eventuality so that the matter of England’s entry would have to be a concern of the Japanese Military. Q. General, was it entirely proper for you to hold these discussions with Ribbentrop without first ascertaining from your Foreign Office if you should talk with him about a proposed attack on Singapore? A. Had there been an official request from Germany in regard to this matter I would certainly have had to consult with the Japanese Foreign Office, but as it was only Ribbentrop’s own personal view, and as we did not discuss any concrete plans I could very easily follow his lead and attempt to keep him happy. Q. Do you think it was entirely proper for you as Ambassador without first taking it up with your Foreign Office to go a step further than just talk about Singapore and produce a map of Singapore that had been prepared by your military people, as you did? A. It is perfectly within my rights, as I told you the other day, to produce this map. An Ambassador cannot make any promises and enter into any negotiations without the approval of his Government, but otherwise, he is free to talk about things of this sort. Q. You mean by that, that while these matters could not be done officially without taking it up with your Foreign Office, there is nothing to stop you from sitting down with Ribbentrop and plotting the attack upon Singapore? Is that what you mean? A. No, but we did not plan anything or discuss any concrete matters. Q. When did you hand your credentials to Hitler upon your return to Germany as Ambassador the second time? A. The end of February or around the beginning of March. 194