We are honored today by the presence of His Excellency the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and on behalf of the Society I extend to him a cordial welcome. Mr. Matsuoka knows the United States very well, and I venture to believe that from his intimate associations there he has the same sort of personal affection for our country as I have for Japan. Such personal affection, when it exists, may sometimes exert its influence even on international affairs. Mr. Matsuoka and I have a way of talking to each other very frankly and straightforwardly, sometimes on the record and sometimes off the record, because I believe that neither of us has much use for the old school formulas and restraints of diplomatic intercourse. Thus we know pretty well where each of us stands on any given issue, and we agree or disagree on those issues with frank objectivity. Such mutual freedom in the give and take of discussion can only be helpful to both, and we both have plenty to do in these times of international difficulties and in this sadly distraught world of ours. The Society fully appreciates the Minister's consideration in taking valuable time from his intense schedule to address us today. I have the honor to introduce His Excellency, the Foreign Minister.