14 Feb. 1946 Q. Now, General, what did you mean the other day when I asked you why Godo wanted you named Ambassador, when you said in reply to my question that “he was one of those who wished to bring German technical developments to Japan and wished me to work toward that end.” A. What I mean is that when he first came to Germany I helped him in purchasing the Renn Steel Refining Process from the Krupp organization. In this regard I loaned him the services of the Embassy’s Army technological expert, a man by the name of Dogane. I want you to understand that that statement of the other day is based simply upon my impressions and there is nothing concrete to back up the fact that Godo wanted me as Ambassador for the reasons that I gave. I believe he must have thought that I would be willing to go further in getting technical aid from Germany to Japan because of my past association with him in this regard. Q. Godo was the Minister of Commerce and Industry in the HAYASHI Cabinet. That is correct is it not? A. That is correct. Q. That was during the period from February 1937 to June 1937? A. I am not certain of the dates, but I do know that he was Minister in this Cabinet. Q. And you know, do you not, that at that time Godo was concerned with respect to your country’s industry and economy in the event an emergency should arise? A. I do not know. Q. You do know, do you not, that while he was in that Government position he urged that the natural resources at home, that is, in Japan, be developed and that he was very much interested in pushing such a program? A. I do not know; I was not in Japan at the time. Q. He was interested in you, however, by reason of your long-time service in Germany and your very able performance of your duties from the point of view of your Government, and he felt that you could help him probably to obtain assistance of a technical nature in order to advance the industrial development of Japan and Manchuria? A. I did not hear that from Godo personally. It is only what I surmised. Q. While you did not hear that from him personally you would surmise that that would be true, would you not? A. It is possible. Q. Now let us return to the story that you have been relating to us and pick it up at the point where you left it yesterday. A. I know, of course, of Stahmer’s coming to Japan and of the final culmination of the Tripartite Pact, but I know nothing whatsoever of whether he was called to Japan or whether he came on Germany’s instigation or any of the events leading up to the pact itself. Therefore, I do not feel qualified to speak on this subject. Q. Yesterday you told us that during this period of time to which we are now addressing ourselves that SHIRATORI was in the Foreign Office in Japan, and that you met him on occasions. Now, when you met this man who had been working with you in Europe on the earlier negotiations, did you not 80