740.0011 European War 1939/17598
The Chinese Embassy to the Department of State 57
Declaration of War on Japan
Japan’s national policy has always aimed at the domination of Asia and the mastery of the Pacific. For more than four years, China has resolutely resisted Japan’s aggression regardless of suffering and sacrifice in order not only to maintain her national independence and freedom, but also to uphold international law and justice and to promote world peace and human happiness.
China is a peace-loving nation. In taking up arms in self-defence, China entertained the hope that Japan might yet realize the futility of her plan of conquest. Throughout the struggle all other powers have shown utmost forbearance likewise in the hope that Japan might one day repent and mend her ways in the interest of peace in the entire Pacific region.
[Page 551]Unfortunately Japan’s aggressive propensities have proven to be incorrigible. After a long and fruitless attempt to conquer China, Japan, far from showing any sign of penitence, has treacherously launched an attack on China’s friends, the United States of America and Great Britain, thus extending the theatre of aggressive activities and making herself an arch enemy of Justice and World Peace. This latest act of aggression on the part of Japan lays bare her insatiable ambition and has created a situation which no nation that believes in international good faith and human decency can tolerate.
The Chinese Government hereby formally declares war on Japan. The Chinese Government further declares that all treaties, conventions, agreements and contracts concerning the relations between China and Japan are and remain null and void.
- Received in Department on morning of December 10.↩