"That is why, unless we enter these negotiations with our wits well sharpened, there is no telling where they may lead us. Look at the questions put in the British Parliament! The application of economic pressure against Japan in order to avert an Anglo-Japanese war has been proposed by some, while others have declared that Britain should deal with the Tientsin issue firmly as the situation could easily cause Britain to lose her position in the Far East with far-reaching results.
"There could be no more levity than to place hopes upon negotiations which start with such British intentions. In other words, we do not believe that the opening of the negotiations has given us any reason for optimism. Consequently, any relaxation of spirit at this time would only play into British hands, It is necessary for us to realize clearly that no obstacle cannot be conquered if military and civilian alike, joined into one, advance along our course like a burning projectile, "Our objectives have been made clear, Until they are achieved, our determination will show no change. "We may tighten measures for the isolation of the Concession but relax them, never."—Domei,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.