On the morning of September 27, 1940 the cables hummed with news of a
momentous ceremony. Japanese diplomats in Berlin had signed a military
pact with Germany and Italy. That evening in Tokyo the Japanese people
received a message from Emperor Hirohito. In their newspapers they
read: “We are deeply gratified that a pact has been concluded between
these three powers.” The Emperor had spoken. A new alliance had been
formed. And a lengthening shadow was spreading over Asia.