Your Excellencies and Gentlemen:
It is a great pleasure and a rare privilege for me this evening to welcome such a distinguished gathering on the occasion of the first anniversary of independence of Burma. The solemnity of the occasion, the stirring events of the times and the inflexible determination of those present here to work hard and first fiercely for the successful termination of the greater East Asia war have so overwhelmed me that I could hardly express the joy within my heart. I thank all of you for responding to my invitation in the midst of your multifarious duties.
After sixty years of continuous struggle, Burma, my country, this day last year declared her independence to the world, and in a few days congratulatory messages in recognition of the independence were received from twelve different nations. This is a historic event unparalleled in the annals of the creation of a new State.
Your Excellencies, Burma, regained her sovereign and independent status because of the sacrifices made by the Imperial Japanese forces, the Burma Independence Army, and the mass of the Burmese people who rose in revolt against the British oppressors. I take this opportunity to thank those valiant people for their patriotic sacrifices.
This day last year, Burma made a Treaty of Alliance with the Empire of Japan which serves as a guarantee that the relationship subsisting between the two countries will always be based on goodwill and understanding.
Another treaty which incorporated the Shan states, with the exception of four states, into the territories of Burma increases her national strength. This territorial and racial unification has thus enhanced the sum total of the might and power of the nations constituting the greater East Asia co-prosperity sphere. Fully realizing that the fulfilment of our national destiny and future happiness depends on our victory in the present war, the Burmese people and the national forces are rendering all-out co-operation and assistance and are fighting alongside the Imperial Japanese forces.
The successful creation of an independent state is a task beset with difficulties even in normal times. Therefore, in these days of war and strife this task is made many times more arduous. However, with strong determination, spirit of service and sacrifice on the part of the leaders, and the people, Burma has been able to make remarkable progress within one year. With closest co-operation between Japan and Burma for the successful prosecution of the greater East Asia war as its highest State policy, the various internal policies have been based on the new order plan. Owing to the harmonious relationship between Government and people and by dint of hard work and with admirable courage and fortitude, Burma is proving more than equal to the occasion and is making a robust march onward and upward. The first anniversary of the independence has seen Burma's programme of establishing an endurance war footing to enter the decisive stage of the war. Definite and concrete reforms have been accomplished in the administrative and economic fields as befitting a modern State working in harmony with the other members of the greater East Asia co-prosperity sphere.
Equally noteworthy has been the progress in vigorous social and cultural undertakings. Steps have been taken for the thorough infiltration of, and in accordance with, the noble ideals propounded in the Joint Declaration of Greater East Asia. Facilities for the study of the languages of the countries of greater East Asia have been opened up. The Japan-Burma Culture Society has become the nucleus for closer cultural affinity between Japan and Burma, paving the way for the conclusion of a Japan-Burma cultural pact. The re-opening of Rangoon University has accelerated the intellectual advancement of the youth of Burma; the movement for the sweeping away of enemy languages has added impetus to the keen study of Oriental literature, culture and arts. The establishment of a system of according recognition to national heroes has instilled in the hearts of the masses the national spirit of self-sacrifice and service. The enlightenment and purification campaign led and launched by the League of Buddhist Priests has renovated the national religion and strengthened the intellectual and moral backbone of the masses. Affording another insight into the definite growth Burma is undergoing today, is the implicit faith and trust reposed by the people in the Burmese Army who bear exemplary character and who make huge sacrifices. It is hardly necessary for me to dwell at length on the courage, the spirit of self-sacrifice and superior fighting power of our Army. Suffice it to say that the Burmese Army, who had been instrumental in obtaining for the Burmese people their long cherished independence, will fight to the last
drop of blood to maintain that independence, and co-operate fully, closely and whole-heartedly with their allies in order to win the utimate [sic] victory in this greater East Asia war.
The war has brought independence to Burma, and Burma will maintain her independnece [sic] in this war. Independence has strengthened the national consciousness of the Burmese people. It has gained a very strong hold among them. The main secret of Burma's strength lies in the self-scarificing [sic] spirit and the love of independence of Burmese masses. They will, therefore, continue to fight fearlessly, even recklessly, to maintain their cherished independence.
In conclusion, I beg to propose, Excellencies and Gentlemen, a toast in honour of our gallant forces engaged in decisive battles on all fronts coupled with our worthy guests of the evening.