When Admiral Oikawa became the Navy Minister, the Navy abruptly approved the Tripartite Alliance, arousing my suspicion. The then Vice-Minister Toyoda, commenting on the circumstances, said:
“Truthfully, at heart, the Navy is opposed to the Tripartite Pact, but since the domestic political situation no longer permits further opposition on the Navy’s part, the Navy unavoidably approves it, albeit, for political reasons. From a military standpoint, the Navy has no confidence in fighting the United States.” |
Prince Konoe: “This is something I did not expect. Politics is something which no statesman deals with and the Navy need not be concerned with it. The Navy should examine the matter purely from a military standpoint and, if it lacks confidence, it should oppose it to the end. Isn’t that the way to demonstrate loyalty to the country?” |
“Now that the situation has come to this point, please try to understand the Navy’s position. Other than diplomatic negotiations, there is no longer any other way to prevent the increased obligation of military assistance in the Tripartite Pact.”
Memoir by Prince Konoe:
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