7 Feb. 1946 Q. How far can you go? The other answer seems to me to be extremely general. I want to know what you personally felt. A. I repeat that I felt that there was no basic difference; it was simply in the means to be followed. And then arose the problem of what type of treaty or agreement would suit both nations. In order to draw up a plan that would be satisfactory to both Japan and Germany, two men from my Embassy by the names of Usami and Takeuchi met with Gaus from the German Foreign Office and drew up various plans. None of these was entirely satisfactory to either the German or Japanese Governments, but I was continuously trying to find a bridge over which the two might come together and meet. I believe, although, of course, these were only my own thoughts, that Germany began to get suspicious that Japan was attempting to weaken the treaty by a separate secret pact, of which she might in turn inform certain nations of the proposition. Japan on her part might have felt that Germany was attempting to drag her into matters outside the ken of her interests. Q. Where is the Ito Commission during all of this? A. They were around for some time and were still there when the Japanese answer was received, but I believe they left some time after this. Q. Had they left before the two members from your Embassy commenced preparing proposed drafts of the treaty? A. Yes. Q. It is not exactly clear to me now just what the Ito Commission did? A. They simply brought me the wishes of the Japanese Government and following that had no duties, although they stayed around in Berlin for a time watching developments. Q. Seems to me rather strange it should require that number of men to bring that message. A. I believe they were particularly desirous of explaining their position fully, and wished me to understand their ideas completely before proceeding. Q. Did it take three men to do that instead of just one? A. One could do it, but in Japan it seems to be the thing to send along an Army and Navy man. Q. So that actually then they came over to bring the message from the Japanese Government and to also make it definite and clear to you exactly what the Japanese Government wanted and how far they would go, is that correct? A. They did not say how far I could go or how far I could not go, but simply said to try to carry out negotiations along this line. Q. Do I understand that they wanted you to understand definitely what the views of the Army and the Navy and the Foreign Office in Tokyo were and you were to be governed accordingly? A. Yes. Q. General, can you tell us what happened to the personnel from your Embassy that were brought back to Japan with you? A. Some are back at the Foreign Office, some in the Central Liaison Office. Q. Can you tell us who was your secretary? 48