The New Year is with us again amid the storm and stress of the China Affair. Today, as we face a momentous crisis at this session of the Imperial Diet, before stating the views of the Government I have the honour to wish with you a long life to our Sovereign and prosperity and happiness to the Imperial Household. I have been moved beyond words by the Imperial Message graciously granted at the opening session and by the deep concern shown by His Majesty over the present situation.
It is scarcely necessary for me to say that Japan's immutable national policy aims at the construction of permanent peace in East Asia on the unshakable foundation of close cooperation between Japan, Manchoukuo and China, contributing thereby to the cause of world peace. The adoption some time ago of our definite stand to deal no longer with the obdurate Kuomintang Government and to exert ceaseless efforts in promoting friendly relations with the Powers was fully in keeping with our national policy. In the interests of world peace we take pleasure in the fact that the tripartite Anti-Comintern Agreement between Japan, Germany and Italy was completed through the participation of Italy last fall.
Now that more than half a year has elapsed since the outbreak of the present conflict, the fields of hostilities have been extended from North China to Central and South China where the valorous and daring operations of the Imperial forces have brought us victory after victory. Thus Nanking fell quickly into our hands. The situation is now developing most favourably for Japan. While this is of course due to the August Virtue of our Sovereign, I am profoundly grateful for the loyalty and courage of the officers and men of the Imperial forces at the front and for the ardour and enthusiasm of all our people at home.
The Government looks forward to the emergence of a new Chinese regime which may really be counted upon to cooperate with Japan, with a view to adjusting Sino-Japanese relations, assisting in the reconstruction of China, and thereby in laying a firm foundation for permanent peace in East Asia. Needless to say, there will be no
change in Japan's policy to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China and the legitimate rights and interests of third Powers in that country.
The mission of Japan as the stabilizing force in East Asia has increasingly become greater; her obligations have grown heavier. In order to fulfil this mission and to discharge these obligations, we must be prepared to make still greater sacrifices than heretofore. Without such determination our future will only be dark. To bear such sacrifices is, I believe, a noble duty that we of the present generation owe to posterity.
With this conviction the Government is striving with all its might to deal with the China Affair for the achievement of the desired end. And for that purpose, it is also essential for the Government to complete national mobilization both in material and spiritual terms and to execute the various necessary measures. The Government is convinced, therefore, that the replenishment of armaments and the ample provision of financial resources are matters of prime importance. Accordingly, emphasis has been placed on these points in formulating economic and financial policies. As regards the budget for the coming fiscal year, it has been compiled in such a way as to appropriate as much money and material as possible for the fulfilment of military requirements and to curtail as far as possible the consumption for other purposes of goods and funds having to do with military supplies.
In the field of industry, the basic policies adopted by the Government are to increase the national productive power on a comprehensive basis covering the three countries of Japan, Manchoukuo and China, and in particular to make endeavours toward supplying the articles urgently needed for national defence, simultaneously promoting all the other essential industries and expanding our export trade.
As for the measures devoted to the home front, everything possible will be done not only to keep our officers and men in active service free from all anxieties concerning domestic affairs, but also to provide for the relief of the families of those killed, wounded or taken ill.
Far distant still remains the end of the conflict. We must be prepared for a long period before a settlement is reached. Ours is indeed a gigantic task unprecedented in history. We shall not be able to accomplish this appointed task unless every member of the nation shows the dauntless spirit of gladly and courageously offering himself to the national cause. On this occasion let me assure you that the Government, with consistency, perseverance and a resolute will,
is working toward the successful settlement of the Affair.
With these views in which you will doubtless concur, the necessary legislative and budgetary bills are being presented, for which I earnestly hope your approval will be given.