The extraordinary session of the Diet opened this morning.
The Prince Regent, in the uniform of a Lieutenant-Colonel, in his speech, expressed his pleasure at the unity of the people of Japan in the recent catastrophe and said that he was "profoundly impressed by the sincere sympathy shown. by friendly Powers and the world." In conclusion, His Imperial Highness expressed the hope that the Members would discharge their duties in a spirit of har-many and ce-operation.—Reuter.
Tokio, Dec, 11.
In the course of an interview with press representatives to-day, following the opening of the extraordinary session of the Imperial Diet, Premier Yamamoto, referring to various problems, especially the revival of Tokio, stated in part:—"The undertaking is one that concerns the whole nation of Japan, which has succeeded in extending its national strength on the many occasions in the past that it has gone through national perils. The world is now giving considerable attention yo whether or not Japan, which has undergone such an appalling blow, will be able to carry out the reconstruction of Tokio. It is, therefore, essential for the Japanese people not only to endeavour to bring their plan to success internally, but also to have such a determination as to make the undertaking a landmark of their capability in the eyes of the world.
The murders of Koreans and Chinese that occurred during the earthquake disaster are deeply deplorable. Most of the reports and accounts published by the press in this connexion are greatly exaggerated. These exaggerated reports have created a grave misunderstanding. The Japanese Government is fully determined to deal with the case on the basis of justice and the spins of humanity."—Eastern News Agency.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.