I have unexpectedly received, in awe and trepidation, the Imperial Command to assume the office of Prime Minister. My humble and earnest desire is to exert myself to the utmost in order to discharge the grave responsibility of administering the affairs of the State in the unprecedented situation we are now facing. It is a great honour for me to have this opportunity of attending the 75th session of the Imperial Diet and of laying before you the views of the Government.
I am profoundly moved by the gracious Imperial Message granted on the occasion of the opening of the present session of the Diet. I am determined to set His Majesty's heart at ease by joining you gentlemen in single-hearted devotion to the Throne and in obedience to the Imperial Command.
It is now 2,600 years since the Emperor Jimmu ascended the Imperial Throne. Looking up to the high ideals on which our Empire was founded, and, in retrospect at the glorious course of our national history, the whole nation, with one accord, should render loyal and grateful service to guard and preserve the prosperity of the Throne, coeval with Heaven and Earth.
It is time, I am convinced, to clarify more than ever the concept of our national polity; to enhance the spirit in which our Empire is founded, so as to solidify national consciousness. Since a clear and firm conception of national polity is the basis of all national policies, it follows as a matter of course that such clarification of that fundamental concept is an absolute necessity; in particular, it is felt all the more keenly in this 2,600th year of the founding of the Empire and in this grave hour in our history.
Two and a half years have elapsed since the outbreak of the China Affair. Our sincere gratitude goes out to the officers and men of the Imperial forces for their meritorious services and brilliant achievements on all fronts, achievements which are the result of their overcoming of hardships and privations. On the other hand, we mourn from the depths of our hearts those who have laid down their lives for this great cause. To the people at home who, by
their enthusiastic and unfailing labours, have freed our soldiers from the cares and anxieties over those they left behind, we cannot but express our most sincere thanks.
With regard to our basic policy for the settlement of the China Affair, it has already been decided upon and remains unchanged. The Government are determined to dispose of the present situation in accordance with this policy, by taking into consideration every development both here and abroad and by exerting positive efforts in every possible direction.
With the development of the present Affair, there have arisen movements in various parts of China for peace and national salvation, and a new central Chinese Government under the leadership of Mr. Wang Ching-wei is to be established in the not very distant future. Japan is ready to extend whole-hearted support and cooperation for facilitating the formation of the new Government.
The international situation has become today extremely complex, particularly, since last September, when war broke out in Europe. It is by no means easy to foretell the outcome of the conflict. The Japanese Government have already enunciated their intention not to be involved therein but to concentrate their efforts on the settlement of the China Affair; we will continue firmly to adhere to this policy.
In respect to our relations with other Powers, it is our intention to adjust them while steadfastly maintaining a free and independent position. All questions that may arise in connection with the European war will be dealt with accordingly.
In order to fulfil our task of establishing a new order in East Asia in accordance with our convictions, it is imperative that we should mobilize all the resources of the nation for the strengthening of national defence. To that end, the repletion of armaments, the promotion of national spirit, the development of economic strength and the assurance of the livelihood of the people under the emergency must by all means be effected.
That the repletion of armaments is essential for coping with the current international situation needs no elaboration. History shows that, whenever an emergency arises, our national spirit is manifested most emphatically to advance the prestige and bring about the prosperity of the nation. Nor must we be negligent in any way in promoting a loyal and heroic spirit among the home-front population so that national strength may be augmented and given full play. For this purpose, such measures as the fostering of the spirit of piety and of honouring ancestors, the renovation of national education and the improvement of the people's physical
strength are essential. The Government expect to strive energetically for their realization.
In order to develop our economic strength, we must seek not only to expand our productive power and to promote our foreign trade but also to expedite the carrying out of a comprehensive economic programme embracing Japan, Manchoukuo and China. On the other hand, it is necessary for the successful operation of the current wartime economy to take various measures, in keeping with the policy of maintaining low prices, for increased production and proper distribution of goods. The carrying out of these measures necessarily calls forth the united and still greater efforts of the entire nation. In this connection, various measures for economic control must be strengthened and executed smoothly through the cooperation of both Government and people.
The Government will do their utmost to assure the wartime livelihood of the people. As for rice and other necessities of life, we are planning to ensure their production in the required amounts and to adjust means of distribution so as to assure their adequate supply.
However, it is only natural today, when we are engaged in the accomplishment of a stupendous task unparalleled in our history, that the people should be forced to endure curtailment of consumption that might well seem intolerable in normal times. Every member of the nation is therefore asked, fully alive to the significance of the emergency period through which we are passing, to strictly observe the wartime economic morality, to exercise frugality in his or her daily life and be prepared to meet any contingency that may arise.
With regard to the Budget for the 1940-41 fiscal year, the Government have adopted one compiled by the previous Cabinet and are submitting it to you for approval. We have decided to carry out necessary revisions of the system of taxation in all departments, both national and local, with a view to readjusting and consolidating the system in consonance with the financial and economic conditions of the country now in the midst of the long-term construction of a new order in East Asia.
In order to carry out the policies I have announced, the Government must rely on the understanding and support of the people based upon their united and unshakeable convictions. For the accomplishment of the great task of building up a new Asia, it is important that the entire nation should rise as one man, further strengthen their wartime stand and fully manifest their traditional spirit characterized by courageous service in the public weal.
The budgetary and legislative measures submitted to you are
based upon the immediate needs of the day. I earnestly hope you will appreciate the intentions of the Government and give these measures urgent approval after due deliberation.