Here I am back in Tokyo again. My journey to Germany and Italy took some six weeks. I had a series of extremely useful conversations with the leaders of the two countries with whom I have formed personal aquaintanceship. I realize fully the truth of the proverbial saying that to see once is better than to hear a hundred times, for I feel I can now speak with better authority on the situation in Western Europe, having ascertained on the spot many a doubtful point through my own eyes. This, I believe, will prove beneficial in no small measure in the conduct of our foreign relations. I have also become acquainted with the eminent leaders of the Soviet Government including Monsieur Stalin with whom I have had two frank and friendly conversations. In fact, it was he who made the prompt decision at the last stage of negotiations regarding the recently concluded Soviet-Japanese Neutrality Pact. This is only one of the many examples of how great leaders of the Powers are today disposing quickly the affairs of State involving sometimes the destinies of their nations when international situation is so full of swift and surprising changes. Vacillation and hesitation are, indeed, fatal.
We, too, must be quick in action in order to cope with the momentous need of the times. We should not confuse deliberation with procrastination. Just as the Tripartite Pact does not affect the relations of the Three Powers vis-a-vis the Soviets, so the Soviet-Japanese Neutrality Pact and the declaration do not affect in the least the Tripartite Pact, which remains the immutable basis of our foreign policy. On the contrary, the Neutrality Pact is a reinforcement in a sense of the Tripartite Pact. There has, of course, been no misunderstanding or misapprehension between the three allied Governments in connection with the Neutrality Pact. Nothing proves this better than the fact that both Germany and Italy are sincerely welcoming the conclusion of the Pact. The Pact is an eloquent indication of the improvement in our relations with the Soviets, and together with the Tripartite Pact, the Sino-Japanese Treaty of last year, and the recent mediation in the Franco-Thailand
dispute, it stands as a fit symbol of the spirit of Hakkō-itiu, which inspires the foreign policy of Japan, the aim of which is universal peace and good neighbourliness.
Finally, if my European journey contributed ever so little to the cause of our nation, it is above all, due to the gracious influence of our Imperial House and also to the great power of our country—the Japanese Empire.