reels 1-18. pt. 1. Imperial expansion and the rise of capitalism (FO 262/1466-1511, 2033-2034), correspondence to and from Japan, 1905-1920
reels 19-62. pt. 2. The early twenties, growth of a new world power (FO 262/1512-1601), detailed correspondence for 1921-1923
reels 63-106. pt. 3. Economic and electoral reform, the Chinese Boycott, and the end of the Taisho Period (FO 262/1602-1672), detailed correspondence for 1924-1926
reels 107- 150. pt. 4. International co-operation but limited democracy (FO 262/1673-1741), detailed correspondence for 1927-1929
reels 151-175. pt. 5. The early 'Thirties" - growth of the military, world financial crisis, the invasion of Manchuria, Manchuria, Shanghai and the Lytton Commission report. (FO262/1742- 1860, 1989-2003, 2035) detailed correpondence for 1930-1933
reels 176-188. pt. 6. Economic and military expansion renewed (FO 262/1861-1988, 2004-2032, 2036-2039), detailed correspondence for 1934-1940.