Chapter 373 – Intelligence Operations Against the Soviet Union

In September, two military men departed from Japan.

One was Admiral Nomura Kichisaburō of the Imperial Japanese Navy. His purpose was to serve as the chief representative in the preliminary negotiations for the Second London Naval Disarmament Conference. Since the current naval disarmament treaty would expire in 1936, these talks were intended as preparatory negotiations to discuss the next disarmament conference.

By dispatching an admiral, just as Britain and the United States were doing, Japan demonstrated the seriousness of its commitment.

Accompanying him as deputy representative was Rear Admiral Yamamoto Isoroku. In addition, Hiroshi Saitō, a diplomat who had participated in various international conferences, would travel from his post in the United States to London.

Within the government, Prime Minister Tokonami was somewhat less enthusiastic, but Foreign Minister Yoshida Shigeru strongly supported a policy of cooperation with Britain and the United States.