Answer: The phrase "stiffening the provisions" refers to making rules or regulations more strict, severe, or rigid. It suggests that the existing provisions are not considered sufficient or effective, and there is a need to tighten them to achieve a particular goal or objective.
The phrase is often used in the context of legal or regulatory frameworks, where there may be a need to increase the severity of penalties or enforcement measures to achieve compliance with the law or to deter undesirable behavior.
For example, in the context of a company's code of conduct, a manager may suggest "stiffening the provisions" to prevent misconduct and ensure that employees adhere to ethical standards. Similarly, a government may decide to "stiffen the provisions" of a law to reduce criminal activity or protect the environment.
In general, the phrase "stiffening the provisions" implies that there is a need to take stronger measures to achieve a specific goal, and that the existing measures are not adequate.
Explanation: In the given context, the phrase "stiffening the provisions" refers to the act of making something more strict or severe, specifically in the case of Matsuoka's response to the Germans regarding negotiations with the United States and Japan's obligations to the Axis alliance.
The sentence implies that Matsuoka, while taking steps to make the provisions stricter, was not willing to reveal the specifics of the April draft or his response to the Germans. This lack of transparency left the Germans feeling dissatisfied and uncertain about the negotiations.
Therefore, "stiffening the provisions" in this context means that Matsuoka was making the provisions or conditions for negotiations stricter, presumably to make them more favorable to Japan. However, this also suggests that this increased strictness could be causing tensions with the Germans, who were seeking more clarity about Japan's intentions and commitments to the Axis alliance.