Konoe's cabinet and the breakdown of peace negotiations

The war in China had already disproved promises of a quick victory, while defeats by the Soviet Union and heavy fighting against Chinese forces increased the army's concern for prestige. Foreign Minister Yosuke Matsuoka removed concessions from a draft US-Japanese understanding and pursued changing schemes involving Singapore, Germany, and the Soviet Union. His counterproposal damaged American trust in Konoe as well as in the foreign ministry. The occupation of southern Indochina followed amid a cabinet structure that could not reliably control military initiatives. Konoe's difficulty directing his own ministers made any agreement dependent on more than the prime minister's intentions.