League of Diet Members Believing the Objectives of the Holy War

The League of Diet Members Believing the Objectives of the Holy War was set up by a group of the Diet of Japan, in support of Japanese government policy in pursuing the Second Sino-Japanese War. It was disbanded later, during the advanced stages of the Pacific War.

This temporary grouping was launched in 1940, under Prime Minister Fumimaro Konoye, to give political support. This "initiative" also was a reaction against questioning of the government, and its aggressive policies on the
China mainland, in a speech by Saitō Takao, of the "Rikken Minseito" Party. [cite book |author= |title=Japan at war |publisher=Time-Life Books |location=New York |year=1980 |pages=p.24 |isbn=0-8094-2526-2 |oclc= |doi=]

The official establishment took measures, including setting up this group, and attempted to censor public "doubting". The speaker was censured in Parliament, and expelled from the chamber (and from his own party), to make an example.

Its membership comprised a of total 450 active members in the House of Representatives of Parliament. They represented all political parties of the period. This grouping pushed for its members to be considered as "loyal" politicians in the militarists cause, differing from Saito, who was considered a traitor to nation and the real values of the country.

The grouping published an open declaration: "We welcome the four years of sacred campaigning, in which the gallant actions of our soldiers, with the zeal and support of the people on the home front, have aimed to deliver a fatal blow to the corrupt Chiang Kai-shek regime, and havecreated within the Chinese masses a sentiment in favour of Japan and desires of peace"

References

See also

* National Spiritual Mobilization Movement