"This course of action, the Japanese Government naturally takes with great regret, for its policy has been the maintenance of "peace in East Asia based upon the prosperous 00- existence of Japan and China.
"The constant alm of the Japanese Government has been Sino-Japanese ce-operation. At this time, it has no-intention other than' the eradication of the anti-Japanese movement in China.
"By eliminating from China the sources of the present state of affairs, the Japanese Government is secking to bring to realization harmony and ce-operation between Japan, China and' Manchoukuo.
Announcing that it felt that "the patience of the Japanese Government, has now been taxed to the leit," the Cabinet at 1 o'clock this morning made public its intention "to take {determined action in China, this decision followed a' 24-hour {midnight emergency meeting of the Intinisters of Slate summoned by the premier, Prince Fumimaro Keno-¥e, following the receipt of official Feports telling of the serious turn of events in Shanghai subsequent to the Petiat activities of the Chinese, The purpose of the Japanese activities, the oficial announcement said, will be "to mete out retribution to
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.