The Bay of Plenty Times FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5th, 1941 JAPAN ON THE BRINK

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXX, Issue 13511, 5 December 1941, Page 4

The Bay of Plenty Times FRIDAY, DECEMBER sth, 1941 JAPAN ON THE BRINK

War between Japan and the United States seems quite inescapable, but the first act of war must be committed by Japan, and this act of war is expected hourly, if it has not already happened. Japan is heading- for national suicide. Britain will be in the war with the United States, and Japan has been left in no doubt about that. It is difficult to say what Japan will do to cause an act of hostilities, but the indications are that she will attack the Burma Road, for it is over that road that China is obtaining war supplies from the United States and Britain. These two countries, with China, are interested in that road and the three powers are in friendly trading relations. If Japan attacks that road it would seem that Britain would -be within her rights in repelling that attack, and that she intends to do so is obvious from the fact that she has a force there. We think that the British, together with the Chinese, would be able to hold the Japs. But once fighting starts it will be fighting in Japanese waters between naval forces. It is claimed, and we believe quite rightly, that Japan possesses a powerful navy, but Japan has never yet been callled upon to try conclusions with a first-class European naval power. It is true that Admiral Tojo shattered the Russian Fleet in one single engagement, but that fleet had sailed from Krondstad, and the men were Aveary when they reached the war-zone. The Japanese will find it a different proposition when they come up. against British and American seamen, especially the British, who have centuries old traditions behind them. Moreover, a warship may have powerful guns, but it is not the guns that count so much as the men behind the guns. Japan is devoid of all sense of gratitude. It is Britain and America Avho have helped Japan to shape her course. The statesmen of the two democracies have never hesitated to help this Oriental nation, but gratitude is not understood. In the last war Japan was on the British side against Germany, and what made her change over is a story that one can guess. After her previous war with China, Japan acquired Formosa and Korea and some other territory, but above all she exercised over China a sort of overlord,ship. However, this did not quite satisfy her, and-so she became an aggressor or bandit and seized Manchukuo. This seizure shocked Britain and the United States who protested vigorously. The sovereignty of China was flouted. An inquiry into this aggressive act was held by Lord Lytton, at the instance, we believe, of the League of Nations, and his report condemned Japan in no mild terms. Japan hastily withdrew from the League of Nations. Japan was really.the first aggressor and was later followed by Mussolini in Abyssinia, and sanctions imposed by the League of Nations forced Italy to resign from that body. Later Hitler became the past-master of aggression. Japan, after getting hold of Manchukuo found herself in constant friction with the Russians in North Mongolia, and when Hitler formed the anti-commintern pact, Japan was ready to join. Since then Japan has found Germany, under Hitler, very attractive, and as it is usual for birds of a feather to flock together, Japan and Germany are closely allied. A good many would feel greatly relieved if Japan is involved in war with Britain and the United States. There has been tension in the Pacific for a long time past which has been upsetting. Japan has been the cause of the tension, and the war will bring this to an end. Of course, Japan will be beaten, and she needs a good hammering to bring her to her senses. So far as New Zealand and Australia are concerned the sooner this turbulent neighbour is disciplined the better, but Ave must be careful that Japan is not stripped and humiliated, and so cause her to nurse resentment. But Ave do Avant to see her in her proper place with guarantees for good behaviour in the future. And she must keep her hands off China, and Ave believe she will. At any rate, the China that will arise from this Avar will not submit to any domination, by Japan. A Avar in the Pacific will cle?m up the Pacific.