Japan's aim in the present hostilities, as solemnly declared by her highest representatives on many occasions, is not to deprive any foreign Power of their rights and interests in China, but simply to bring those hostilities to a satisfactory conclusion as speedily as possible. The means she employs to that end, in so far as they affect foreign interests adversely for the time being, are to be regretted. But it cannot be too often [stressed that these means are demonstrably legal while achievement of the end will obviously bring with it a termination of the inconveniences complained of. In so far, then, it [might be observed, as the foreign Powers place impediments in the way of the achievement of that end, they are obviously postponing that restoration to normalcy which they very naturally and properly desire.
I myself am convinced that a full realization of the facts will prompt not only better understanding between Japan and the Powers, but also a more realistic appraisal among them of the course of enlightened self-interest in China, and hence an attitude towards the current hostilities more likely to assist their speedy conclusion. It is for this reason that I have permitted myself to recall an incident of what must seem to many the remote past, but one which established a principle of incontestable validity, while being at the same time, if I may venture to say so, a tribute to the detachment and objectivity of a great jurist, History repeats itself in fact and, 1 firmly believe, in thought. Such being the case, I am convinced that the objectivity in matters of abstract principle which is one of the outstanding mertts of French, and indeed all Western European culture will survive the assaults of current circumstances and will lead to a just appreciation of the present position in Eastern Asia,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.