BETWEEN TWO FIRES

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 108, 10 May 1933, Page 13

BETWEEN TWO FIRES

WOMAN'S VIEW OF CHINA

JAPANS AIM

"Manchuria is by population unalterably Chinese. It is regarded by the Powers as an integral political part of tho Chinese Eepublic. "But in the past its destiny has been determined by the conflicting ambitions of Bussia and Japan," said Miss Janet Mitchell during an address on "Tho Conflict of Interests: China, Eussia, Japan" (states the Sydney "Daily Telegraph"). Miss Mitchell expressed the opinion that the struggle between these countries, would go on. "Although at the moment Japan is fighting China over Manchuria, I do not believe that Japan regards China as her major enemy in this area. "While Buasia's interests are at present primarily economic, Japan's primarily strategic, then economic, the interests of China are primarily racial and historical." CHINA'S NTJEDS. Miss Mitchell said that the Chinese Eastern Bailway forged the first definite link in the chain of fate, which had brought about the Manchurian conflict. . Japanese interests Mngo mainly on railways and their subsidiary industries. In 1928 Japanese estimated their investments in Manchuria at £150,000,----000. Japan looks to Manchuria as the mai:- source of those raw materials which she regards as necessary to her national defence—coal, iron, and oil. A Japanese-controlled or advised Chinese administration of Manchuria such as Manchukuo is regarded as essential by Japan. In the last twelve years the Soviet has gained actual control over the adjacent territory of Outer Mongolia. The Bussians have developed many subsidiary interests in the railway zone. In trade they are rapidly undercutting other countries, especially the American oil interests; their cotton goods are quickly capturing the markets. If the Manehukuo experiment succeeded—as she felt convinced that it would succeed—the Soviet would find itself in increasing economic conflict with Japan. Vast areas in China south of the Great Wall were practically independent of the National Government, and many were definitely Communistic in organisation. It had been estimated that 80,000,000 Chinese, one-sixth of the total population, were living under a definite Soviet administration in the provinces of Kiangsi, Hupeh, Hunan, and Fokien. Apparently the first Five-Year Plan has succeeded beyond expectations in regard to the Bed. Army and the Bed Air Force, which, according to competent foreign observers, is 100 per cent, more efficient in discipline, training, and equipment than the old Czarist army. ' Vladivostok is within easy flying distance of Japan. Korea, Japan's rich and vijtal possession on the Asiatic continent, borders on Manchuria. Ths creation of the latter as a friendly buffer State is regarded as essential to national security by all Japanese.