Papers relating to the foreign relations of the United States, Japan, 1931–1941, Volume I

760F.62/1016

Memorandum by the Secretary of State of a Conversation With the Hungarian Minister (Pélenyi)

[Extract]

[Washington,] September 21, 1938.

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I stated that since August a year ago I have proceeded here on the theory that Japan definitely contemplates securing domination over as many hundreds of millions of people as possible in eastern Asia and gradually extending her control through the Pacific islands to the Dutch East Indies and elsewhere, thereby dominating, in practical effect, that one-half of the world; and that she is seeking this objective by any and every kind of means; that at the same time I have gone on the theory that Germany is equally bent on becoming the dominating colossus of continental Europe.

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C[ordell] H[ull]