(2) Foreign Minister Tani's Speech
On this day of the second anniversary of the Japan-China Basic Treaty and the Japan-Manchoukuo-China Joint Declaration of Alliance, it is a great honour for me to speak here in congratulating the occasion. Since Japan, acting on the fundamental principle in the founding of the Empire, set out on her historic step to introduce a new order in East Asia, work has proceeded steadily in the line of joint constuction of military, political, economic and cultural systems among Japan, Manchoukuo and China. Many difficulties have been overcome, thanks to the efforts of the nations concerned. Then, on November 30, 1940, came the conclusion of the Japan-China Basic Treaty and the Joint Declaration of Alliance among Japan, China and Manchoukuo, in which the three nations solemnly promised one another for their joint effort to construct a new order in East Asia. That these agreements will contribute to the international peace by shaping a permanent peace in East Asia is well indicated in the texts of the treaty and the joint declaration.
Fortunately, by virtue of the perfect unity among the official and civilian circles of Japan and Manchoukuo and also of the self-sacrificing joint efforts between the keen-sighted leaders of Japan and China, the foundation for the projected new order in East Asia has practically been completed, for which I feel highly heartened. The historic task of establishing a new order in East Asia will be possible only through great efforts among all interested. There is no doubt about it, because the task is an unprecedented moral attempt and also because this work is being attained in the midst of the war of greater East Asia. This task is the chief objective of the war. As the war proceeds, it will leave behind it a fruitful result in the shape of the new order. The same task will also serve as a prerequisite for successful execution of the current war.
Under the August Virtues of His Majesty the Emperor, the Japanese forces on land, sea and in the air are achieving brilliant successes, with the result that there is practically no foe in the area of greater East Asia. The three nations of Japan, Manchoukuo and China are bound by an obligation at this juncture to proceed on the establishment of the new order, with the war achievements as the basis for the work. I feel deeply the necessity that the three nations, through sharing their common pleasures and hardships, should consolidate their united front to introduce a first rate new order in the world. This will be their greatest contribution to world peace at this time of historic world-wide chaos.
Now on this auspicious occasion, I would like to raise my cup with the many dignitaries here to wish for the brilliant future of Japan, Manchoukuo and China.