The Second Anniversary of the Conclusion of the Sino-Japanese Basic Treaty, November 30, 1942
(1) Premier Tohjo's Address
Two years have passed since the common ideals of Japan, Manchoukuo and China were declared at home and abroad following the conclusion of the Treaty Concerning the Basic Relations between Japan and China and the issuance of the Joint Japan-Manchoukuo-China Declaration. Since that time the three countries have been co-operating closely as friendly neighbours, and especially since the start of the war of greater East Asia they have been displaying even further co-ordination. This is a matter for congratulations.
It is not only the sole desire of Japan that greater East Asia be brought back to its original aspect, thereby realizing co-existence, but it is also the common aspiration of all nations in the same orbit. Disregarding this, America and Britain have pushed the promotion and protection of their own interests and utterly ignored co-prosperity of humanity. They menaced the existence of the Japanese Empire, threatening to make the construction of the greater East Asia co-prosperity sphere impossible. In these circumstances confronting Japan and East Asia, this country has been compelled to rise in arms for the purpose of ensuring its self-existence and self-defence and of eliminating all evils in greater East Asia for many years. It is with awe to describe here that the Imperial Rescript declaring war on America and Britain was issued on December 8 last year. The first anniversary is about to come. During the intervening period the Japanese Empire under the August Virtues of His Majesty the Emperor has scored a really brilliant victory, as you are well aware, and thereby consolidated the foundation of sure victory. Now, Japan is ready to crush America and Britain, which are persistently repeating offensives, through one decisive battle after another under an advantageous condition.
When the Japanese Empire was engaged in a sacred war of eradicating evils and displaying justice, His Majesty the Emperor of Manchoukuo was gracious enough to issue an Imperial Rescript concerning the current situation on the same day, thereby exhorting the Manchoukuoan nation to the need of assisting the war of Manchoukuo's ally through the great principle of one virtue and one mind co-operation of the Government and people and offering of services to the State.
As to the Chinese National Government, it also expressed its determination to go through the difficult situation on the spirit of sharing the same joy and the hardship with an indomitable will. Since that time Manchoukuo and the Chinese National Government have shown their substantial co-operation and sincerity in both material and spiritual domains, for which the Japanese Empire and its people are considerably impressed and are heartily grateful.
The war of greater East Asia is a war of unprecedented scale and magnitude. Many obstacles are lying before our path and the Japan-Manchoukuo-Chinese amity and co-operation is needed more than ever before. With all the peoples of Japan, Manchoukuo and China, I look forward to a distant date when the glory of East Asia will rise and prosperity will shine,
and I expect to go forward in the attainment of the ultimate objective under an immutable rule made public in the joint declaration and on firmer unity and closer co-operation.
In conclusion, I take this opportunity of the second anniversary of the signing of the Treaty Concerning the Basic Relations between Japan and China and of the issuance of the Joint Japan-Manchoukuo-China Declaration of Alliance to renew our determination together with Manchoukuo and China and pledge ourselves to exert our utmost efforts to win this great war.