Since Great Britain and Russia will not oppose Japan’s policy towards China, it can readily be seen what attitude France will adopt in regard to the subject.  What Japan must now somewhat reckon with is America.  But America in her attitude towards us regarding our policy towards China has already declared the principle of maintaining China’s territorial integrity and equal opportunity and will be satisfied, if we do not impair America’s already acquired rights and privileges.  We think America will also have no cause for complaint.  Nevertheless America has in the East a naval force which can be fairly relied upon, though not sufficiently strong to be feared.  Therefore in Japan’s attitude towards America there is nothing really for us to be afraid of.

Since China’s condition is such on the one hand and the Powers’ relation towards China is such on the other hand, Japan should avail herself in the meantime of the European War to definitely decide upon a policy towards China, the most important move being the transformation of the Chinese Government to be followed up by preparing for the conclusion of the Defensive Alliance.  The precipitate action on the part of our present Cabinet in acceding to the request of Great Britain to declare war against Germany without having definitely settled our policy towards China has no real connection with our future negotiations with China or affect the political condition in the Far East.  Consequently all intelligent Japanese, of every walk of life throughout the land, are very deeply concerned about the matter.

Our Imperial Government should now definitely change our dependent foreign policy which is being directed by others into an independent foreign policy which shall direct others, proclaiming the same with solemn sincerity to the world and carrying it out with determination.  If we do so, even the gods and spirits will give way.  These are important points in our policy towards China and the result depends on how we carry them out.  Can our authorities firmly make up their mind to solve this Chinese Question by the actual carrying out of this fundamental principle?  If they show irresolution while we have this heaven-conferred chance and merely depend on the good will of the other Powers, we shall eventually have greater pressure to be brought against the Far East after the European War is over, when the present equilibrium will be destroyed.  That day will then be too late for us to repent of our folly.  We are therefore impelled by force of circumstances to urge our authorities to a quicker sense of the situation and to come to a determination.