The Foreign Minister said that the atmosphere was favourable for an adjustment in relations because the "Soviets seem to have recognized Japan's true intentions to settle the differences in earnest."
He added that Japan had been determined to resort to free fishery, but a temporary agreement with the Soviets had materialized in the "last He also said that the mixed commission which the Soviet Union had suggested was at present negotiating for a long term fishery treaty.
"Russia has also taken the attitude accelerating the conclusion of the commercial pact which was hopeless last year." he. said, "The negotiations in this connec tion have been making fair progress, Regarding the Manchoukuo and. the Soviet border and Saghalien, all Issues we should like to start negotia-ons' at' the proper opportunity."
No Comment Mr. Matsuoka declined to comment fon a suggestion by Mr, Fusamiro Ichinomiya that Japan should con-elude 'a -non-agitression pact with Russia, because of Japan's alleged inability to obtain help from Ger many and Italy in event of a Soviet Japanese war, The interpellator pointed out that article five of the tripartite pact made it possible for any one of the signatories to deal individually with Russia without interference of the other two signatories, Because of Me. Iehinomiya said, Germany and Taly would not have assist Japan should Japan become involved with Russia, Mr, Tehinomiya stressed that owing to strained Japanese-American relations the security of Japan's north= ern defences was particularly important,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.