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A Speech to Remember
A Speech to Remember
"
Last night, December 1, 1937 A night which will live in infamy - the Republic of China was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval, army and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
Our great nation was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward a peaceful resolution of the bandit situation in the Chinese Province of Manchuria.
Indeed, one hour before Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Amoy, one hour before Japanese battle ships had commenced shelling Nanking, one hour before Japanese forces began landing in Hainan the Japanese Ambassador to China was having dinner with me regarding the possible cessation of support for the Northern Bandits. While his demanour and words suggested that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations regarding the North China bandit situation, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.
It will be recorded that the scale and audacity of attack makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days, weeks, months or perhaps even years ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive China by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on Amoy has caused severe damage to Chinese naval and military forces. Very many lives have been lost - both military and civilion. In addition Japanese ships have been shelling coastal cities such as Nanking and Shanghai. Japanese air forces have launched bombing attacks on many cities. They have targetted critical infrastructure including the Huankayou damn in an effort to cause the Yellow River to flood and cause power shortages. Casualties, on the first night of the attack will number in the tens, perhaps hunders of thousands.
Last night, the Japanese Government also launched an attack on Hainan. Last night Japanese forces landed off Beiping. Last night Japanese forces attacked Shanghai. Last night Japanese forces attacked the Amoy. Last night the Japanese attacked Nanking and Guangzhou. Last night, Japan broke the sacred covenant of peace and made war against us without warning or mercy.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise invasion. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the China have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and existence of our nation, our families and our prosperity.
As Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Navy and Air Force I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. As President of this Yuan, I have introduced Wartime Resolution #1 to the floor to place this country on a war-footing.
Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the Chinese people in their righteous might will win through to absolute and total victory.
We are dealing with an enemy with no regards to the value of life and an enemy with no intention to abide by the rules of civilized society and war.
We are dealing with an enemy with fierce cunning and the determination to subject us to the yoke of Japanese Imperialism. There will be no surrender or cooperation until the last Japanese and their Manchurian bandits have been thrown off all of China.
Whereever you are, North or South, East or West, young or old, rich or poor, you all have the responsibility of protecting our home and repelling the enemy, you must all have the will to achieve the ultimate sacrifice
Do not be disquieted in this time of great adversity. Be firm with dignity and be self-reliant with the vigour and courage of righteous fury to go on to the final victory.
I believe I interpret the will of the Yuan and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again. I call on the Yuan to approve of Wartime Resolution #1 to prepare our nation fully for the long and bitter struggle that awaits us.
There will be many deaths. Perhaps millions.
There will be many casualties.
There will be many fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and family who will never be seen from again - their graves mute testimony of the criminal assault we've had to endure.
There will be those who come back, maimed beyond repair - in both mind and body - such is the horrific nature of war.
The struggle will be long and hard. But ultimately, we have justice on our side.
We will triumph.
"
- Abbreviated version of Chiang Kai-shek's speech to the Yuan introducing Wartime Resolution #1 to the floor. The resolution was carried by full acclamation.
Next Update: Days of Infamy
"
Last night, December 1, 1937 A night which will live in infamy - the Republic of China was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval, army and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
Our great nation was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward a peaceful resolution of the bandit situation in the Chinese Province of Manchuria.
Indeed, one hour before Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Amoy, one hour before Japanese battle ships had commenced shelling Nanking, one hour before Japanese forces began landing in Hainan the Japanese Ambassador to China was having dinner with me regarding the possible cessation of support for the Northern Bandits. While his demanour and words suggested that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations regarding the North China bandit situation, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.
It will be recorded that the scale and audacity of attack makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days, weeks, months or perhaps even years ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive China by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on Amoy has caused severe damage to Chinese naval and military forces. Very many lives have been lost - both military and civilion. In addition Japanese ships have been shelling coastal cities such as Nanking and Shanghai. Japanese air forces have launched bombing attacks on many cities. They have targetted critical infrastructure including the Huankayou damn in an effort to cause the Yellow River to flood and cause power shortages. Casualties, on the first night of the attack will number in the tens, perhaps hunders of thousands.
Last night, the Japanese Government also launched an attack on Hainan. Last night Japanese forces landed off Beiping. Last night Japanese forces attacked Shanghai. Last night Japanese forces attacked the Amoy. Last night the Japanese attacked Nanking and Guangzhou. Last night, Japan broke the sacred covenant of peace and made war against us without warning or mercy.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise invasion. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the China have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and existence of our nation, our families and our prosperity.
As Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Navy and Air Force I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. As President of this Yuan, I have introduced Wartime Resolution #1 to the floor to place this country on a war-footing.
Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the Chinese people in their righteous might will win through to absolute and total victory.
We are dealing with an enemy with no regards to the value of life and an enemy with no intention to abide by the rules of civilized society and war.
We are dealing with an enemy with fierce cunning and the determination to subject us to the yoke of Japanese Imperialism. There will be no surrender or cooperation until the last Japanese and their Manchurian bandits have been thrown off all of China.
Whereever you are, North or South, East or West, young or old, rich or poor, you all have the responsibility of protecting our home and repelling the enemy, you must all have the will to achieve the ultimate sacrifice
Do not be disquieted in this time of great adversity. Be firm with dignity and be self-reliant with the vigour and courage of righteous fury to go on to the final victory.
I believe I interpret the will of the Yuan and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again. I call on the Yuan to approve of Wartime Resolution #1 to prepare our nation fully for the long and bitter struggle that awaits us.
There will be many deaths. Perhaps millions.
There will be many casualties.
There will be many fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and family who will never be seen from again - their graves mute testimony of the criminal assault we've had to endure.
There will be those who come back, maimed beyond repair - in both mind and body - such is the horrific nature of war.
The struggle will be long and hard. But ultimately, we have justice on our side.
We will triumph.
"
- Abbreviated version of Chiang Kai-shek's speech to the Yuan introducing Wartime Resolution #1 to the floor. The resolution was carried by full acclamation.
Next Update: Days of Infamy
- CCA
- Word Count: 810