Mitteilungen des Österreichischen Staatsarchivs 21. (1968)
MIYAKE, Masaki: Die Achse Berlin – Rom – Tokio im Spiegel der japanischen Quellen
Die Achse Berlin-Rom-Tokio im Spiegel der japanischen Quellen 445 responsible for the maintenance of order in these areas. The people living in these areas, in principle, shall maintain independence or shall be made independent. However, of the people now in the districts which are the posessions of Britain, France, Holland, Portugal, and others, those who are not capable of being independent shall be permitted to have self-government as much as possible in accordance with their ability, and the Japanese Empire will bear the responsibility for guiding their government. Economically, the Empire will reserve her preferential position in regard to the defense resources produced in these districts. However, with regard to other general commercial enterprises, the Empire will adopt the principle of open door and equal opportunity mutually with other economic blocs. 4. The world will be divided into four greater blocs — the Greater East Asia Bloc, the European Bloc (including Africa), the American Bloc and the Soviet Bloc (including India and Iran). (Australia and New Zealand will be left with Britain, which will be treated on an equal footing with Holland). The Empire will maintain the realization of this policy at the peace conference after the war. 5. Japan should obtain the understanding of the German authorities concerning Japanese action and policy to aim at making American participation in the war impossible to the best of Japan’s ability. (Note) The Empire will not make any such promise as may restrict the Empire’s autonomy regard the project, action and exercise of military power in connection with the Empire’s entry into the European War. 6. To conclude a „no separate peace“ treaty between our allies Germany and Italy, in case Japan should participate in the European war. 7. Germany and Italy, especially Germany, will check the Soviet Union. If the Soviet Union attacks both Japan and Manchukuo, Germany and Italy will attack the Soviet Union. 8. Germany will assist Japan to the best of her ability in the repletion of Japanese armaments, while Japan will endeavour to supply Germany with raw material and food. Moreover, Germany will promptly and abundantly supply Japan with inventions, techniques and technicians that may be necessary for the development of the areas within the Greater East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere and for the expansion of Japanese peace-industry. 9. To have a further talk with Germany in regard to the hastening of general peace with China. 10. Foreign Minister Matsuoka will visit Europe and negotiate with each government of Germany, Italy and the Soviet Union, and will make efforts for the accomplishment of the items outlined above, and if necessary he will conclude a pact.
