Negotiations for the conclusion of a cultural agreement between Japan and Germany have been conducted for some time by the representatives in Tokyo of the two countries. The fact that the agreement has been signed and put into effect today is a matter for sincere congratulations. The agreement will not only draw still closer the cultural relations between the two nations, but willenable [sic] them to deepen their knowledge and understanding of each other.
Japan has recently severed all relations with the League of Nations. This, however, does not mean that Japan has severed her cultural relations with foreign countries or suspended her cooperation with them in the cultural field. On the contrary she is as ready as ever to cooperate in cultural undertakings with those foreign countries in friendly relationship with her, whether they are member states of the League or not.
The agreement, signed between Japan and Germany today, is a manifestation of the earnest desire of the Japanese Government for tstrengthening [sic] cultural ties with foreign countries through agreements to be concluded separately on a basis of reciprocity. It is the first of the kind to be put into operation, but we hope that it will be followed by similar pacts to be concluded with as many foreign powers as possible. For instance, a cultural agreement was signed between Japan and Hungary on November 15th and is expected to go into effect in the near future, whil [sic]
preparations are under way for concluding a similar agreement with Italy. It is the policy of the Japanese Government to accelerate conclusion of cultural agreements with those foreign powers which are desirous of so doing.
The key-note of these agreements lies in an exchange and intermixture of Japanese culture whose essence will be fostered and developed and the essentials of the cultures of various foreign countries. The present cultural agreement between Japan and Germany provides for a general policy in cooperation between the two countries under the above-mentioned guiding principle.
Various fields of activities, stipulated by Article II of the present agreement, are only given as examples. Cultural pacts between foreign countries usually have detailed stipulations, but the present one between Japan and Germany is rather different in stipulating general provisions for cultural cooperation and leaving room for giving full play to them as occasion demands. Matters of detail shall be discussed and decided on between the competent authorities of the High Contracting Parties from time to time.