ABSTRACT
WHEN the Netherland delegation boarded the ship to welcome Mr. Kobayashi and his party, they did not know whether they would be met with an ultimatum, an agenda, or a refusal to communicate with officials of too modest rank. Neither of the three things happened; there was an exchange of friendly and courteous speeches, and Mr. Kobayashi, visibly pleased with the ceremonial of full military honours on the quay, without hesitation agreed to the proposed programme of visits, counter-visits, and audiences, and was driven in state to his hotel. In the afternoon, however, the weather broke; only then had he been informed by his Government about the current dispute on procedure.
