I have been filled with deep emotion by the most gracious Rescript which His Majesty the Emperor was pleased to grant on the occasion of the opening ceremony. In humble obedience to the Imperial Will, it is my resolute intention to pursue together with you our heavy responsibilities in this decisive war situation with our utmost efforts, speedily attain our war objectives and thereby set our Sovereign's mind at ease.
More than two years have elapsed since the outbreak of the war of greater East Asia. Under the August Virtue of His Imperial Majesty, the officers and men of our Imperial Forces are more than ever continuing their valiant fighting with skillful strategy. Together with you, gentlemen, I express to these officers and men our heartfelt thanks for their gallant fighting and, at the same time, reverently express our sincere respect to those who have given their lives for our fatherland, convey our profound sympathy to those families who have given their beloved ones to the cause of our Empire and pray for the quick recovery and early return to service of our offiers [sic] and men who are wounded or sick. Furthermore, I wish together with you gentlemen again to give our profound expression of respect to our countrymen for their strenuous efforts to fight through this war.
Viewing the war situation in greater East Asia, the counter-offensive of the enemy has recently become increasingly severe and stubborn. They are, as you all know, despite the tremendous losses and setbacks, gradually advancing their bases, relying solely on their material abundance, and furthermore are attacking our lines of sea communication the effect of which on our transportation cannot be minimized.
To meet this serious war situation, our frontline officers and men, by utilizing the position of strategical superiority secured in the early stages of the war and by their continuous and uninterrupted brave fighting, are inflicting costly damages on the enemy. Especially, recently, the brilliant successes they are achieving in the Solomons area, in the Gilberts area and in China are indeed without parallel in military history, and the only ones who do not know this are the people of United States and Britain whose eyes have been blinded by their leaders. The very severe losses which are being inflicted upon the enemy's fighting personnel are especially to be noted. In the face of the officers and men of the Imperial Forces, each of whom is determined not to rest until he has stricken down ten of the enemy, only a gloomy future awaits the American and British forces which have the impertinence and audacity to come challenging. Indeed, only ultimate defeat
lies ahead of them. In concert with the valiant fighting of the officers and men at the front, our one hundred million people have risen to action.
Our students have joined the colours and the conscription age has been lowered. These are steps which have already been taken by the belligerent countries, but that our country has effected them only now for the first time demonstrates our superiority over enemy America and Britain with respect to mobilization and, at the same time, our resolute determination to crush the United States and Britain.
With regard to fighting power, especially air-power, various difficulties have been overcome and an epochal upward curve is being registered in our production. Compared with last year our production of aricraft [sic] has reached the point where today it is already more than twice as great.
As you know the Ministry of Munitions was newly established on November 1 last year and on the 15th last the transfer by the Army and Navy of control of business related to airplane production to that ministry was completed. Thus at last the Ministry of Munitions has been enabled to give full and complete play to its proper functions. The conditions necessary for the expansion of airplane production have thus been greatly strengthened and henceforth rapid strides which will further increase the production by several times over the present rate is expected. In connection with increasing our fighting power, we naturally feel the need for greater inventiveness and effort to meet the requirements of intensified war operations. If we demonstrate to the utmost in the aircraft industry that capacity and skill which our one hundred million people displayed in the fiber industry in surpassing the world's level in technical ability and efficiency within only a short space of time, an epochal increase in the production of aicraft [sic] can be expected. With such a confidence, the Government, together with the people, are firmly determined, in accordance with the findings of the Administrative Supervisory Commission and by adding even more to our constant ingenuity and efforts, surely and fully realize the phenomenal strengthening of our air-power in response to the demands of the front lines.
As shown lately in the South Pacific by their desperate and challenging strategy which disregards the tremendous sacrifices they are suffering, it is manifestly clear that the United States and Britain, especially the United States, while outwardly talking of a long war, are inwardly craving for a short war. This is due to nothing more than their operational handicap resulting from over-extended supply lines and to their serious distress and unrest both at home and abroad. For instance, munitions production, upon which the United States greatly relies, has already reached its peak and, as the problems of materials and manpower arise, unrest increases in intensity. In Britain, the national strength has declined and the degree of exhaustion is becoming greater and greater.
If Japan is given time, her strategic position would become even stronger, the war resources of the Southern Region would even more be converted into fighting power, the unity of the peoples of greater East Asia would become more strengthened than it is now and the position of Japan would
be beyond their power. Naturally, the United States and Britain have these facts in consideration and naturally they are what these enemies most fear. For the war leaders of the United States and Britain who have created an unjustifiable cause and dragged their people into the sufferings of war, it is unavoidable in the face of the distresses and dissatisfaction of their people which increase with each passing year that they should, by the pressure of the urgency of the necessity to maintain their own position, resort to rash actions and recklessness. It is also natural that the Allied Nations, having fundamental clashes of national interests, should be so impatient about saving the situation quickly before it gets beyond control.
Now the enemy is in a fit of impatience. Now, when the enemy is in such a state, a golden opportunity not to be missed is offered us to inflict upon them a crushing blow and drive them to their catastrophic end. By grasping this opportunity with utmost calmness and composure we are to deal him greater smashing blows. In fact, this operation of meeting and defeating the enemy is already taking place. For instance, take the six air battles off Bougainville Island and the four air battles off the Gilbert Islands. When such enormous losses are repeatedly suffered, it is not difficult to imagine that they must prove fatal even to the United States relying as it does on its great material abundance. Considering the loss of tens of thousands of enemy officers and men who have been buried in the depths of the southern sea in a short period of time, it is not beyond comprehension how profound the effect of those losses has been on the enemy. It is quite natural that confronted by this grim reality the enemy leaders are doing their utmost to cover up these losses. It is nothing other than the expansion of our fighting power, especially our air power, for which our one hundred million people are zealously exerting their efforts which makes possible the further increase of the power and might of the Imperial Forces to meet and crush the enemy and, at the same time, the switching over to offensive operations without the loss of any opportunity. It goes without saying that it is necessary that we strengthen at the same time our position for a long war both materially and spiritually.
What is meant by our position for a long war is internally the perfection of our strong position to endure for a long time and externally the taking of offensives to bring the enemy to their knees. In accordance with the fundamental requirements for the prosecution of the war, the Government, in order to leave no stones unturned in carrying out measures to perfect the internal position for decisive warfare, have especially since last autumn been taking various steps for that purpose. However, I wish to say a few words about the principal points to be emphasized of the measures to be earnestly pursued by the Government.
Whether or not we can speedily and sufficiently supply superior aircraft to the front lines now will decide the general trend of the present war situation and determine its outcome. The speed with which we produce aircraft and the volume of our production are absolute requirements for the expansion of our air power. Of course, this is no easy matter to accomplish, but
we must do it by all means for victory. As I have already said, the Government confidently expect, together with the people, that this surely will be done.
For the expansion of our fighting power, especially our air power, it is deemed fundamentally necessary that the production of iron, light metals, coal and other important war materials be increased, that the national labour service be strengthened and that the sea and land transportation be improved.
With respect to the increase of vital munitions production, the Government are putting forth their utmost efforts in response to the requirements of military operations and are endeavouring to realize it on the basis of a plan for epochal production increase. Along with this, with respect to the strengthening of the national labour service, the Government intend to take every possible measure to increase its volume, that is, to increase the number of men and women, and to improve its quality, that is, to enhance the production efficiency.
With respect to the increase in the volume of prodution [sic], it is thought that the strengthening of the national labour service will increase the people's burden and produce not a little effect upon their livelihood, but in meeting the severity of the war situation in the future the Government expect vigorously to carry it out. I firmly believe that our countrymen will gladly respond to this urgent requirement of our country.
As regards the improvement of quality, there is as yet room for many improvements in various fields. The Government expect to endeavour further to give guidance in that regard and, at the same time, spare no efforts to realize every possible improvement through the increased ingenuity and efforts of those who are directly concerned with the task.
In connection with the improvement of sea and land transportation, the losses being suffered in sea transportation cannot by any means be minimized. The Government are endeavouring to reduce the losses in shipping by strengthening sea and air protection and, at the same time, to adopt urgent measures with respect to such questions as transports, crew, operational efficiency, loading efficiency and especially the acceleration of shipbuilding by surmounting all difficulties and further to strengthen land transportation and are thus comprehensively improving and securing our sea and land transportation.
Along with the measures already mentioned, the assurance of the supply of foodstuffs is an essential condition for victory. The Government has always been endeavouring to strengthen the nation's position of self-supply in accordance with carefully laid plans and now, thanks to the efforts of the people, there has been an epochal increase in the production of rice and in addition wheat, potatoes and other staple foods and further, due to the extraordinary co-operation of Manchoukuo, our food situation no longer is a cause for any anxiety however long the war may last. We are profoundly thankful for the efforts of our farming people who, true to the traditional virtues and customs of our nation's farming districts, are putting forth their
utmost efforts for the increase of food production by mutual reliance and mutual help regardless of age or sex in surmounting numerous hardships. How important the question is of assuring food supply in wartime, especially when war becomes protracted, is clear in the light of military history, especially in the light of the experience of the first European War. The Government intend to devote their attention hereafter to the increase and smooth distribution of foodstuffs and thus strengthen our position of self-supply and, in this regard, expect the active co-operation of the people.
In meeting the developments of the war situation it becomes ever more necessary not only to increase taxes and people's savings but to effect the more efficient employment of industrial capital. The Government intend to do all they can to achieve the desired results with the co-operation of the people.
In parallel with these measures the wartime regulations governing the service of Government officials are a fundamental requisite in carrying out the various measures. In view of the unprecedentedly grave war situation, the manner in which we officials perform our duties will directly reflect itself upon the nation's morale and effect the activities of the people, thereby greatly influencing the prosecution of the war. Thus was promulgated the regulations governing the conduct of officials in wartime, clearly indicating the way to be pursued by officials of the Government. We Government officials resolutely intend by constant self-reflection and with diligence strictly to observe these regulations and to do our utmost in service to the State.
I have already explained the fundamental requirements for the prosecution of the war and the important points of the Government's domestic measures based upon those requirements, but what I wish especially to emphasize here concerns that abiding faith in victory which our one hundred million people hold deep in their hearts. That is the conviction of attaining the ultimate victory in the war of greater East Asia. Needless to say, war in its final analysis is a contest of will against will. The Powers of the world have waged war with their total strength for several years and the final victory will come to those who maintain their fighting will with faith in their final victory. There is only a hair's breadth between final victory and defeat. In the present war we must be prepared for difficulties that will become more and more severe. However, at the same time, it is but natural that the agony and distress of the enemy caused by our smashing blows should further increase in intensity. It is naturally to be expected that when the opposing camps are exhausted, that side whose faith in victory has been shaken and whose fighting will has been lost the earlier will go down in defeat.
Woe to the countries that dare to come against our Empire, founded upon a peerless national polity and holding a position of invincibility. The spiritual power of loyalty and service of the Japanese race, having at their head the Imperial Family prospering for ages eternal, is certainly without parallel in the world. Once having been aroused, as it has been for the
defence of the Empire's existence, this spiritual power is now sweeping away everything in its path in the war of greater East Asia. The more immediate the dangers and the greater the difficulties, the stronger becomes the spiritual power of our people.
At Attu Island and recently at Tarawa and Makin Islands, our forces clashed with the enemy more than ten times greater in number, dealt out crushing blows and fought to the death to the very last man. These brave fighting men solemnly demonstrated to the enemy on behalf of our entire nation what stuff the fighting spirit of the Yamato race is made of. We cannot forget that there are numerous brave officers and men who have died in heroic action and who have left behind them distinguished deeds that are in no way different from those of the men of Attu, Tarawa and Makin. It is this magnificent spiritual strength that constantly flows in the veins of all of our one hundred million people. It is because of this spiritual strength that is without parallel in the world that we can surely and ultimately win the victory in this war for justice. What the enemy inwardly dread is this very spirit. When the epochal increase of our fighting power is realized with this great spiritual strength and with the effectuation of the various measures which I have mentioned, only victory lies ahead of us.
Turning to the developments in greater East Asia, you will recall that in November last the Assembly of Greater East-Asiatic Nations was held. This Assembly was an epochal event in the midst of the successful prosecution of the war and completion of the construction of greater East Asia. There gathered together at this assembly in a bright and cordial atmosphere the responsible leaders of the greater East-Asiatic nations who openly discussed the future of greater East Asia and reached a common decision. They solemnly declared that the countries of greater East Asia will successfully prosecute the war, construct their region and thereby contribute toward the peace of the world in accordance with the five principles of common prosperity and well-being, independence and fraternity, enhancement of culture, economic development and contribution to the progress of mankind.
The Joint Declaration of the Greater East-Asiatic Nations marks manifest the fact that the great ideal of the founding of our Empire is in perfect accord with the ideal of the people of greater East Asia, making clear to the world in a most solemn manner the kindred spirit that binds all the East-Asian peoples. The one billion people of greater East Asia, in increasingly closer collaboration, are strongly resolved to exert their utmost efforts to eliminate completely their common and age-long enemy and aggressors against East Asia, the United States and Britain, and to construct greater East Asia, thereby contributing toward world peace. We are deeply thankful to the peoples of greater East Asia for their wholehearted co-operation and I wish to take this opportunity to express together with you, gentlemen, our sincere appreciation to them.
The oneness of virtue and mind that binds Japan and Manchoukuo is growing ever stronger. Furthermore, the conclusion of the Pact of Alliance between Japan and China and of the Japanese-Thai Treaty concerning the
new territories of Thailand and the indepedence [sic] of Burma and the Philippines all took place last year. The political participation of the native inhabitants of Malai, Java, Borneo, Sumatra and the Celebes has been steadily realized and the co-operation of these people with Japan is becoming remarkably active.
Regardless of the sinister designs and unscrupulous intimidation of the enemy, the leaders of the greater East-Asiatic countries are sternly resisting them, and by a clear comprehension of the general situation they are actively leading their people who, in turn, overcoming all difficulties, are vigorously marching toward ultimate victory. Of late, the American and British forces have been wantonly bombing non-military establishments in cities in various parts of East Asia killing and injuring innocent people. To those people of East Asia who have been the victims of the inhuman acts of the enemy and have lost their lives or their homes, I wish to express my heartfelt sympathy and, at the same time, pay my sincere respect to those people who are bravely surmounting all hardships. The despicable outrages of the enemy can be condoned neither by Heaven nor by man. Not in the distant future Japan will take severe retaliatory steps. It is this resolute determination of our country that the people of the United States and Britain will do well to remember.
Now that the unity of the one billion people of greater East Asia is being strengthened day by day, the grand undertaking of liberating East Asia and constructing greater East Asia is steadily making great forward strides. The very fact that the United States and Britain have discussed their future plans at Cairo by inviting Chungking at this late hour exposes the collapse of the spiritual link between them and Chungking. Confronted as it is by the new situation of a Japanese-Chinese relations which have reverted to their proper condition of mutual respect for sovereignty and independence and permanent friendship, the Chungking régime has lost its reason for resisting Japan. The American and British enemy who cannot be blind to the new trend of the people under the Chungking régime can no longer resort to any other measure than to cajole Chungking leaders who, still unawakened, are enmeshed in old connections and past circumstances. What the people under Chungking were given at the Cairo Conference was only an empty promise of aid and through it the prolongation and intensification of their distress accompanying their causeless war.
The United States and Britain which previously had vaunted their general counter-offensive against Burma and declared that they would immediately come to the rescue of Chungking have not yet done anything even though the rainy season has long since passed and the dry season has already half gone. Thus, they are about to greet another rainy season without having yet accomplished anything.
The emptiness and faithlessness of the ideal and humanity expounded by the American and British enemies are clearly shown by what Britain is doing toward the peoples under her rule and by what America is doing toward the Negroes under her administration. Abolition of racial discrimination
and establishment of common prosperity and well-being among all the peoples of the earth are at once the long-cherished aspiration and perpetual ideal of us, the people of Asia, whereas the American and British enemy are bent upon seeking solely their own prosperity by enslaving other peoples. Their designs upon East Asia are nothing less than to undo the new greater East Asia which is now under construction and to make it a region to be exploited and oppressed by them as has been done in the past. There is all the difference in the world between our ideal and theirs. The one billion people of greater East Asia could not acquiesce to their aims.
We cannot help sympathizing with the Indian masses who now find themselves in dire straits and are still under the outrageous pressure of Britain and America. The liberation of India is the ardent desire of the one billion people of Asia, which they cannot suppress in spite of themselves. Numerous Indian patriots, led by Mr. Subhas Chandra Bose, have already risen for the independence of their country. When the Assembly of Greater East-Asiatic Nations met in Tokyo a short time ago with Mr. Bose, Head of the Provisional Government of Free India, attending it as observer, you will recall that the Imperial Goverment [sic] declared their readiness to transfer the Andaman and Nicobar Islands under occupation by the Imperial forces to the Provisional Government of Free India in the near future. The greatest undertaking of the century to gain freedom and independence for India has since been making steady progress under Mr. Bose. The four hundred million people of India, who have already been spiritually alienated from the insatiably greedy Britain and America, are acting without losing any opportunity in concert with this great movement of justice. In parallel with the development of this movement, a wave of liberation and independence is sweeping over the length and breadth of India. It may be expected, therefore, that the banner of independence, unfurled by the Provisional Government of Free India, will be hoisted over India before long. I take this opportunity to reaffirm before the world that the Japanese Empire, in conjunction with the other nations of greater East Asia, will extend further positive aid to the liberation of India with all its resources and power.
Turning to Europe, we find Germany, our ally, marching toward the destruction of America and Britain, having established an invincible position in the midst of various ups and downs. The difficulties experienced by Germany is easily understood by us. Germany has successfully overcome them with the entire nation solidly united as one. With her morale enhanced all the more, she is keeping up a valiant fight, being fortified by her faith in ultimate victory. The German forces, having successfully gone through various ordeals, are now poised for the forthcoming great decisive battle, and are watching for an opportunity to drive home hard blows against the Anglo-American armies in a decisive land battle, in a line of action in which they enjoy undisputed superiority, so that the Anglo-American enemies may be eternally deprived of a chance to rise again. Activities to which the German forces will give full play before long may be expected with full confidence.
Japan and Germany are indivisibly one, bound together with ties of constant mutual trust in the building of a new order throughout the world on the basis of lofty ethical principles as well as by the blood shed by their officers and men in the war against their common enemies, the United States and Britain. Their co-operation, especially in the spiritual field, is being drawn still closer in proportion to the growing severity of the war situation. Italy, who has started all over again under the powerful leadership of Il Duce Mussolini is bending her efforts to strengthen her Axis ties, having steadily reorganized her home front. Together with you, gentlemen, I wish to pay our heartfelt respects to our European Allies, with Germany as their mainstay, for their gallant fighting and renew our firm resolve to crush the United States and Britain in concert with them both from the east and west, by further strengthening our co-operation with them.
I have placed before you the Government's views and opinions in meeting the grave war situation. I bespeak your hearty co-operation with the Government in full understanding of their firm determination and also ask you to deliberate on and speedily approve the budget and legislative bills submitted by the Government.