I am profoundly moved to say that His Imperial Majesty's most gracious message regarding the China affair was granted us at the opening of the Imperial Diet yesterday. It is my humble desire that we shall be able to set His Majesty's heart at rest by our loyal and devoted service to the Throne in accordance with the august will of our Sovereign.
Since the outbreak of the affair in North China on July 7th, the fundamental policy of the Japanese Government toward China has been simply and purely to seek the reconsideration of the Chinese Government and the abandonment of its erroneous anti-Japanese policies, with the view of making a basic readjustment in relations between Japan and China. This policy has never undergone a change; even today it remains the same. The Japanese Government has endeavoured to save the situation by preventing aggravation of the incident and by limiting its scope. This has been repeatedly enunciated; I trust that it is fully understood by you.
The Chinese, however, not only fail to understand the true motives of the Japanese Government, but have increasingly aroused a spirit of contempt and have offered resistance toward Japan, taking advantage of the patience of our Government. Thus, by the outburst of uncontrolled national sentiment, the situation has fast been aggravated, spreading in scope to Central and South China. And now, our Government, which has been patient to the utmost, has acknowledged the impossibility of settling the incident passively and locally, and has been forced to deal a firm and decisive blow against the Chinese Government in an active and comprehensive manner.
In point of fact, for one country to adopt as its national policy the antagonizing of and the showing of contempt for some particular country, and to make these the underlying principle of national education by implanting such ideas in the minds of the young, is unprecedented in the history of the world. Thus, when we consider the outcome of such policies on the part of China, we feel grave concern not only for the future of Sino-Japanese relations, but for
the peace of the Orient and consequently for the peace of the entire world. The Japanese Government, therefore, has repeatedly requested the Chinese Government to reconsider and to change its attitude, but all in vain. This failure of the Chinese Government has finally caused the present affair. We firmly believe that it is in accordance with the right of self-defence as well as with the cause of righteousness and humanity that our country has determined to give a decisive blow to such a country, so that it may reflect upon the errors of its ways. For the peoples of East Asia, there can be no happiness without a just peace in this part of the world. The Chinese people themselves by no means form the objective of our actions, which objective is directed against the Chinese Government and its army who are carrying out such erroneous, anti-foreign policies. If, therefore, the Chinese Government truly and fully reexamines its attitude and in real sincerity makes endeavours for the establishment of peace and for the development of culture in the Orient in collaboration with our country, our Empire intends to press no further.
At the present moment, however, the sole measure for the Japanese Empire to adopt is to .administer a thoroughgoing blow to the Chinese Army so that it may lose completely its will to fight. And if, at the same time, China fails to realize its mistakes and persists in its stubborn resistance, our Empire is fully prepared for protracted hostilities. Until we accomplish our great mission of establishing peace in the Orient, we must face many serious difficulties, and, in order to overcome them, we must proceed steadily with our task, adhering to the spirit of perseverance and fortitude in one united body.
Now that our Imperial Army and Navy, with their loyal officers and men, are advancing with all dignity in the cause of righteousness, exalting their might far and wide, we are filled with grateful emotion. Simultaneously, we feel highly encouraged to witness the sincere support displayed throughout the length and breadth of the Empire. Let us, however, be on our guard against intoxication over victories already won, and maintain an unrelaxed vigil toward achieving our final purpose.
The Government is hereby introducing to the Imperial Diet urgent budgetary and legislative measures. In these measures the Government seeks to adopt a financial and economic structure for coping with the present extraordinary situation. We are ready, however, to take all possible precautions to avoid unnecessary shock to financial circles. As for developments in the affair, foreign affairs and financial plans, they will be stated by the Ministers in charge.
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The Government feels greatly honoured to assist, together with you, in the administration of affairs of the State, and at the same time feels increasingly the graveness of its responsibility. We earnestly beseech you gentlemen to give approval after mature deliberation to the Governmental measures which will be introduced.