With the seventy-seventh session of the Diet convened at this critical hour, I am profoundly moved that His Majesty the Emperor was pleased to grant a most gracious Rescript at the opening ceremony. The Government desire at this opportunity to state frankly their views and conviction regarding the execution of national policies, and with your co-operation, to surmount the unprecedented national crisis with an inflexible will of the united nation and thus hope to set our Sovereign's mind at rest.
In looking over the present world situation with reference to our Empire, we find that, in the China affair, thanks to the vigorous efforts of the loyal and gallant officers and men of the fighting services under the August Virtue of His Majesty the Emperor and to the activities of the earnest and determined people on the home front, brilliant results have been achieved, and the Chungking régime's power of resistance is fast diminishing. The constructive work of the National Government of China on the other hand has made a steady progress resulting in the recognition of that Government by many friendly Powers. The task of settling the China affair has thus entered upon its final stage. However, the economic and military activities of the countries aiding Chiang Kai-shek have become increasingly more vigorous. They constitute the last remaining pillar of Chungking's power of resistance, obstructing the successful conclusion of the China affair.
In the region of the North, the situation since the outbreak of the German-Soviet war in June of this year has led one to think of possibilities of its eventful future, and Japan cannot afford to be indifferent to its development. We are, therefore, seeing to it that all the necessary measures are taken in order to secure the stability in the North. In the South, there took place last year the peaceful entry of the Imperial forces into northern French Indo-China, and as the result of the conclusion of an economic agreement between Japan and French Indo-China and our mediation of a dispute between Thailand and French Indo-China, close and cordial relations between our country and French Indo-China had gradually been established, and Japan's peaceful advancement toward the South was about to commence. But, as the military and economic co-operation of Great Britain, the United States and the Netherlands East-Indies became strengthened, Japan's economic negotiations with the Netherland East-Indies fell through, a situation pregnant with grave menaces to the position of Japan in the southern Pacific. Japan, thereupon, entered into
an agreement with the Vichy Government for the joint defence of French Indo-China, and in accordance with this agreement our reinforcements were despatched to southern French Indo-China in the latter part of July. But Great Britain, the United States and the Netherlands East-Indies viewed these legitimate measures of self-defence with suspicion and misgivings. They froze our assets in their countries, and, by resorting to virtually complete embargoes, enforced an economic blockade, and at the same time, rapidly augmented their military measures against our country. It hardly requires an explanation that economic blockade resorted to as between non-belligerent countries constitutes a measure little less hostile in character than an armed warfare. Such an act not only impedes the settlement of the China affair which Japan intends to bring about, but it gravely affects the existence of our Empire, and as such we can by no means acquiesce in it.
Notwithstanding this, Japan, earnestly desiring peace as she always does, has consistently maintained her patience and perseverance and has exerted her utmost efforts for a peaceful solution of the situation by tiding over the crisis through diplomatic negotiations. Our purpose has not as yet been realized, and the Empire has come to face a serious situation where she must literally decide her course for generations to come. Nevertheless, the Government, in a peace-loving spirit which has inspired the nation since the foundation of the Empire, are even now devoting their utmost efforts to a diplomatic settlement in order to safeguard the existence and prestige of the Empire and establish a new order in East Asia. The Japanese Government expect that:
(1) The third Powers will refrain from obstructing a successful conclusion of the China affair which Japan has in view;
(2) The countries surrounding our Empire will not only refrain from presenting a direct military menace to our Empire, but nullify such measures of hostile character as economic blockade and restore normal economic relations with Japan; and
(3) Utmost efforts will be exerted to prevent the extension of the European war and the spread of the disturbances into East Asia.
If the above-mentioned triple purpose is realized by diplomatic negotiations, it will, I believe, be a matter for gratification not only for the sake of Japan alone, but for the cause of peace in East Asia and the world at large. In view of past experiences, however, the prospect of the negotiations still remains uncertain.
The Government, therefore, anticipating obstacles lying in their path, are determined firmly to assure the existence of our Empire by perfecting all kinds of preparations, leaving no stone unturned for the purpose of vigorously executing the fixed national policy of our country.
As our Empire now stands at a crossroad of national destiny unparalleled in her history of more than two thousand six hundred years, the Government are fully resolved to fulfill with all their power their responsibilities of assisting the Throne.
Whatever may be the development of the situation, the perfection of a
state structure for high degree national defence is a matter of most urgent importance. For this purpose it is essential to enhance the national morale to a higher pitch and to increase the industrial and economic efficiency to a maximum degree.
Although the Government are simultaneously taking all possible measures to assure the livelihood of the people, a further curtailment will be unavoidable. I sincerely hope that the entire nation, with a firm belief that our Empire must now make a great forward stride and may well expect an unlimited development of national fortune, will share together the present hardships, and go forward as one man in assisting to accomplish the sacred work of His Majesty. The Government are prepared, with regard to the political and economic administration, to undertake renovations and perfections of various kinds, but in their execution they intend not to merely follow ideals but to take measures in conformity with the actual situation so that the organic efficiency of various technical systems may be given a full play.
I am firmly convinced that the entire nation, understanding the intentions of the Government, will extend their whole-hearted co-operation.
The budget which has been submitted consists principally of the expenditures required in meeting the present critical situation, and the proposed bills have been limited specially to those which are now urgently required.
I desire that you will understand the intentions of the Government, carefully deliberate upon them, and give your approval. In conclusion, the Government wish to tender the expression of their appreciation for the constant co-operation extended to our Empire by Manchoukuo and the National Government of the Republic of China. The Government also wish to express their sincere felicitations on the accomplishments of the friendly Powers, especially of Germany and Italy. They hope that these Powers will achieve success together with our Empire in establishing the new world order based on justice.
In coping with the grave situation prevailing at present, I feel greatly honoured to assist the Imperial Rule together with you, gentlemen, and feel deeply the great responsibilities. I believe that the difficulties can be surmounted and the present crisis solved only when the entire nation do their part for the cause of public service in their respective occupations and when the total strength of the nation is concentrated for the purpose. I earnestly request that you will give further support and co-operation to the Government.
Lastly, I wish to render my sincere respects to the spirits of those who gave their lives for the defence of the Empire, and to express my profound appreciation to all my fellow countrymen on the front-line and the home-front for their strenuous endeavours.