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26 Nov. 45
are of interest to them because the
Japanese Navy had to prepare immediately for a conflict with the
United States.
"As regards Japanese-American relationship, Matsuoka
explained further that he has always declared in his country that
sooner or later a war with the United States would be unavoidable, if
Japan continued to drift along as at present. In his opinion this
conflict would happen rather sooner than later. His argumentation
went on, why should Japan, therefore, not decisively strike at the
right moment and take the risk upon herself of a fight against
America? Just thus would she perhaps avoid a war for generations,
particularly if she gained predominance in the South Seas. There are,
to be sure, in Japan, many who hesitate to follow those trends of
thought. Matsuoka was considered in those circles a dangerous man
with dangerous thoughts. He, however, stated that if Japan continued
to walk along her present path, one day she would have to fight
anyway and that this would then be under less favorable circumstances
than at present.
"The Führer replied that he could well understand the
situation of Matsuoka, because he himself had been in similar
situations (the clearing of the Rhineland, declaration of sovereignty
of Armed Forces). He too was of the opinion that he had to exploit
favorable conditions and accept the risk of an anyhow unavoidable
fight, at a time when he himself was still young and full of vigor.
How right he was in his attitude was proven by events. Europe now was
free. He would not hesitate a moment to reply instantly to any
widening of the war, be it by Russia, be it by America. Providence
favored those who will not let dangers come to them, but who will
bravely face them.
"Matsuoka replied that the United States, or rather their
ruling politicians, had recently still attempted a last maneuver
towards Japan, by declaring that America would not fight Japan on
account of China or the South Seas, provided that Japan gave free
passage to the consignment of rubber and tin to America to their
place of destination. However, America would war against Japan the
moment she felt that Japan entered the war with the intention to
assist in the destruction of Great Britain. Such an argumentation
naturally did not miss its effect upon the Japanese, because of the
education oriented on English lines which many had received.
"The Führer commented on this, that this attitude of
America did not mean anything, but that the United States had
the
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