Answer: The phrase "he had been taken in by the Japanese" can have different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. However, one possible interpretation is that it means someone was deceived, tricked, or swindled by the Japanese.
The phrase "taken in" can also mean to provide shelter, hospitality, or assistance to someone in need. In this sense, the phrase could mean that the person was received and taken care of by the Japanese.
Explanation: The phrase "he had been taken in by the Japanese" means that the person referred to (in this case, Hull) was deceived, tricked, or misled by the Japanese. The phrase implies that Hull had been too trusting of the Japanese negotiators and had not seen through their false promises or manipulation. It suggests that he had believed in something that turned out to be untrue or had been too naive in his dealings with the Japanese, which could have led to a betrayal of the British.
In the given passage, Hull is accused of having been "taken in" by the Japanese, which implies that he had not been aware of the true situation or motives of the Japanese negotiator. The phrase can be used to describe situations where someone has been fooled or manipulated, and it suggests that the person was not able to recognize the true nature of the situation.