In welcoming the second New Year's Day since the outbreak of the war of greater East Asia, I offer my most sincere prayers for the prosperity and health of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, His Majesty the Emperor of
Manchoukuo, His Royal Majesty King Ananda Mahidol of Thailand, and President Wang Ching-wei of the National Government of China.
In the first year of the war, the Japanese troops have already driven the America, British and Dutch forces out of East Asia, and occupied numerous strategic points extending over vast areas. Furthermore, we have secured important resources that can be immediately turned to fighting strength. Thus, Japan has already laid the foundation for materializing the great ideal of co-existence and co-prosperity. This foundation is formed of the strategic value of the occupied areas and the great strength of numerous inhabitants and resources within the occupied territories. It is from these facts that absolute confidence in our final victory is formed.
The Empire of Japan is striving to strengthen this foundation, to consolidate the co-operation with all allied countries in East Asia, and thus to secure the final victory over the United States and the British Empire, striking at them with our united power.
At this important moment, the Empire of Manchoukuo has celebrated the tenth anniversary of its founding and shown notable progress. Manchoukuo has also shared the task of defending the northern frontier and thus greatly contributed to the strengthening of our fighting power.
Under the great efforts of President Wang Ching-wei, the National Government of China, has steadily increased its strength and also contributed much toward increasing supplies to our country.
Thailand concluded its defensive and offensive alliance wth Japan a year ago, and under the firm control of Premier Pibul Songgram, is clearly co-operating with us in attaining the common objective of the war.
The peoples of Japan, Manchouko, China and Thailand are firmly united. In celebrating the tenth anniversary of the founding of Manchoukuo. His Imperial Majesty was pleased to dispatch His Imperial Highness Prince Takamatsu to Hsinking, while Premier Chang Ching-hui of Manchoukuo came to this country as special envoy to express gratitude for the visit of His Imperial Highness.
Foreign Minister Chu Min-yi of the National Government of China also visited our country as special envoy and expressed to us the determination of the National Government to co-operate in the execution of the war of greater East Asia. In return, Baron Kiichiro Hiranuma, Hachiro Arita and Ryutaro Nagai were sent as envoys to Nanking.
Then, to congratulate the formation of the Japanese-Thailand Alliance, Lieutenant-General Phya Phahol Pholphyhayuha Sena visited Japan as special envoy from Thailand. Kohki Hirota was appointed a special envoy to return the visit of the Thai special mission.
Of late, President Wang Ching-wei of Nanking again visited Japan, and exchanged frank views with the high officials of Japan.
The co-operation among these four nations is daily being further strengthened, and bringing great results toward attaining the great objective of establishing a greater East Asia. At this opportunity I beg to express heartfelt thanks to these countries for their sincere co-operation given to us.
The United States and the British Empire that have suffered defeat after defeat in the past, are now just beginning to attempt offensive activities. But as already explained, the foundation for our victory is well laid.
What is left for the four great nations of East Asia to do now is to gain final victory by putting overwhelming military pressure on our enemies by utilizing the vast manpower and material resources at hand for increasing our fighting strength. To attain this end, we mst mutually aid, trust and co-operate for the common objective.
Japan is fully determined to fight to the last, and it is my sincere wish that the peoples of Manchoukuo, China, and Thailand will fight in full co-operation with us.