Calling a HTTPS web service

Background

I have a Java application, one part of it is to call a HTTPS web service regarding payment (offered by a company called PayPoint). The application is sitting on a IBM Websphere server.

Problem

1. 
   

   Someone told me that you need to implement a Java client and call the secure web service. During the process, you will specify the SSL/TLS protocol etc.

   
   


2. 
   

   Another guy told me that we don't have to care about Java,because what the Java client (PayPoint client) does is only firing a request to PayPoint. The actual handshaking is done and managed by Websphere.

   
   

Which of the above is correct? And is there some way I can find out?

Any guidance is much appreciated.