MAtSUOKA EXPLAINS JAPAN'S ULTIMATUM ON INDOCHINA 287

for reasons not evident to the authorities of Japan and obstructed the
implementation of the agreement signed in Tokyo. The Japanese
Government felt obliged, although with reluctance, to ask the French
Government whether the actions of the Governor-General were
subject to control by the French Government, since the Governor-
General continued to be unco-operative, and whether on the basis
of the agreement signed in Tokyo the French Government was
exhibiting good faith. The French Government said that it was,
and since the Governor-General was evidently not acting in good
faith, and since the Japanese authorities were aware that to foreign
consuls stationed in Indo-China the Governor had boasted that he
was using obstructive tactics, the Japanese felt it necessary to present
their ultimatum.

Matsuoka said that the purpose of the measures was to enable
Japanese forces to attack Chiang Kai-shek and to bring peace to
China. As soon as "hostilities have ceased, he added, the Japanese
forces will be withdrawn at once; the integrity and sovereignty of
Indo-China will be accorded full respect, and as a consequence there
will be no interference in East Asia with the status quo. The Minister
said that he, Prince Konoye, and other Government members repre-
sented a minority opinion in Japan, and that it was their determination
that Japan should not oppress, exploit, or interfere with other
countries' integrity. He said that a struggle was taking place against
extreme elements within the country on this issue. My interruption
at this point was to the effect that the agreement with France included
clauses pertaining to commerce and economics in Indo-China
Matsuoka did not deny my statement but assured me that no
exploitation would occur.

The terms of agreement between France and Japan signed on
August 30 were confidential, said the Minister, and their divulgence
by either of the signatories would nullify them. He said he could
confidentially tell me, however, that France had broached the
subject first and had requested a renewal of guarantees pertaining
to France and Japan. This was negotiated at approximately the
same time that the Anglo-Japanese Alliance was concluded. He did
not recall the exact date but said that the agreement was in effect
and registered with the League of Nations. (This presumably is the
agreement of June 10, 1907, between France and Japan.) I then
interrupted Matsuoka to ask what country's encroachments France
desired guarantees against. Mr. Matsuoka said that this was a moot
question. He then went on to say that Japan had asked permission
to move forces across Indo-China and to be given temporary use of
air-ports as " compensation " for complying with the French request.
This information was given me in confidence, he emphasized, and
its accuracy would of necessity be denied,if any publicity followed.

The Minister talked lengthily, but in spite of this and in spite of
his illogical reasoning I reported the meaning of his remarks to
the Department with all possible precision. The Minister, upon the