BEIJING, May 29 -- The All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese has begun to solicit historical documents and pictures concerning the Japanese invasions during World War II.

Qiao Wei, spokesman for the federation, said at a press conference on Thursday that the move is a response to the requests of many overseas Chinese and will focus on atrocities committed by Japanese invaders in the Pacific as well as the resistance efforts and support from people in victimized countries.

"The solicitation aims to make more people realize the anti-democracy, anti-morality and anti-humanity nature of Japan's militarism, remind people of that unforgettable and undeniable dark history as well as call for more power of peace to prevent such tragedies from repeating," Qiao said.

Giving a deadline for submissions of the end of September, the federation prefers high-resolution electronic files and pictures while also welcoming intact original materials sent via mail or dropped off in person.

An exhibition of the materials collected will be held on Dec. 13, China's national day mourning the victims of the Nanjing Massacre.