I have been profoundly moved and filled with a feeling of awe to receive unexpectedly the Imperial Command to form a Cabinet. I am firmly determined to discharge with might and main the grave responsibility which His Imperial Majesty has been pleased to place upon my shoulders—the responsibility of assisting the Throne in the administration of State Affairs.
We are confronted today with a truly momentous situation and are therefore called upon to undertake, with an unshakeable conviction, the task of constructing a new order in East Asia, uniting to this end all the forces of the Nation.
With regard to the settlement of the China Affair, an immutable policy has already been decided upon. It is beyond question that the Government will not only pursue this policy but also lend support to the development of the new Central Government which is on the eve of being established in China.
In respect to our foreign policy, the Government will endeavour to build up harmonious relations with other Powers, steadfastly maintaining for ourselves a free and independent position.
On the other hand, it is imperative, I am strongly convinced, not only to ensure the livelihood of the people, but to strengthen the national wartime structure. Thus I will strive to augment the strength and bring about the greater prosperity of the Nation. Measures for carrying out these policies will be explained shortly on an appropriate occasion.
I take this opportunity of greeting every one of you, members of the Nation, having laid before you what is in my heart.