Yesterday the delegates gathered in Tokyo to begin an international conference of leaders of the Great East Asia Co-Prosperity Zone. This is in effect the Japanese Empire, and 'The Captured Territory of Hong Kong' is part of it, although not represented at the Conference. The delegates had been welcomed by Japanese premier Hideki Tojo with a speech contrasting the 'materialistic civilisation' of the West with 'the spiritual essence' of Greater East Asia.
Today the Conference issues a joint statement:
The countries of Greater East Asia through mutual cooperation will ensure the stability of their region and construct an order of common prosperity and well-being based upon justice.
The countries of Greater East Asia will ensure the fraternity of nations in their region, by respecting one another's sovereignty and independence and practicing mutual assistance and amity.
The countries of Greater East Asia by respecting one another's traditions and developing the creative faculties of each race, will enhance the culture and civilization of Greater East Asia.
The countries of Greater East Asia will endeavor to accelerate their economic development through close cooperation upon a basis of reciprocity and to promote thereby the general prosperity of their region.
The countries of Greater East Asia will cultivate friendly relations with all the countries of the world, and work for the abolition of racial discrimination, the promotion of cultural intercourse and the opening of resources throughout the world, and contribute thereby to the progress of mankind.
Sources:
W. G. Beasley, Japanese Imperialism, 1987, 242