14 Feb. 1946 but because of my long career with the Army and because of my obligation and responsibility as a soldier it became virtually impossible for me to not accede to their request. Q. In addition to that feeling of loyalty or of necessity to respect the wishes of the Military authorities they must have said something to you that would persuade you to change your mind in the face of your refusal when the Foreign Minister asked you to accept the position. Now tell us what it was they said to you. A. Nothing ever and beyond the fact that they were particularly desirous of having me as Ambassador. Q. Did they not say something to you relative to the Tripartite Pact? A. No. Of course, they did mention that it should be followed to the letter, but as for details, there were none. Q. It is a strange coincidence that you, General OSHIMA, who worked so hard on the early negotiations looking to the formation of this pact, now, after it has come into being, should be sent back to the field where you worked so hard in years gone by, and that nothing should be said to you by these men with respect to this document. That is difficult for me to understand. A. No, I did not feel so. If I can get on further with my story it may explain some of the points that are puzzling you. Q. Before you go ahead with your story I want to know did TOJO say anything to you about the Tripartite Pact when he was persuading you to accept the position as Ambassador to Berlin? A. No, definitely not. Q. Before we go to the story, how long have you known Kurusu? A. I have only met him twice in 1939. Q. Now a while ago you told us that, if I remember correctly, you do not know anything about the circumstances under which Stahmer came to Tokyo relative to the Tripartite Pact. A. There are rumors to the effect that he was called to Japan and other rumors that he was sent from Germany. Which is correct, I do not know. Q. Do I understand you to say that you personally do not know anything of the circumstances under which he came? A. I do not know. Q. Not so long ago Kurusu made the statement and it was published in the press that reads as follows: “Shortly after MATSUOKA became Foreign Minister he and SHIRATORI and OSHIMA contrived to bring Stahmer over my head to Tokyo.” What do you say about that? A. That is a definite lie. I will commit Hara Kiri if that is the truth. 3 Q. You may proceed with your story. A. I do not know for sure how you wish me to proceed; whether you want me to deal particularly with the treaties or whether it should be a running narrative, and, if so, I can go on with my story and the treaties will enter into that at the point in the narrative where they belong. Q. Before you start your narrative, tell us the terms of the Tripartite Pact that was actually signed on 3 Hara Kiri refers to ritual suicide. 84