FAR EASTERN PROBLEMS

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 30, 3 August 1940, Page 19

FAR EASTERN PROBLEMS

At the invitation of the Institute of Pacific Relations, scholars in many countries have been engaged since early in 1938 in the preparation of studies forming part of an inquiry into the problems arising from the conflict in the Far East. The purpose of this inquiry is to provide an impartial and constructive analysis of the major issues which may have to be considered in any future adjustment of international relations in that area. The studies include an account of the economic and political. ..^conditions which led to the outbreak of fighting in July, 1937, with respect to China, to Japan, and to the other foreign Powers concerned; an evaluation of developments during the war period which affect the policies^ .of jalL. the Powers in relation to the-Far Eastern situation and, finally, an estimate of the principal political, economic, and social conditions which may be expected in a post-war period, the possible forms of adjustment which might be applied under these conditions, and the effects of such adjustments upon the countries concerned. .The aim is to present information in a form which will be useful to those who lack the time or expert knowledge to study the vast amount of material now appearing in a number of languages.

Four volumes of the series have been received. These are:—"Japanese Industry: Its Recent Development and Present Condition." "The Problem of Japanese Trade Expansion in the PostWar Situation," "Australia's Interests and Policies in the Far East," and "German Interests and Policies in the Far East." Each volume is an authoritative and up-to-date survey, but of course the outlook on all the problems discussed may have to be reorientated after the conclusion of the present European war. History is moving so swiftly in these days that a book published today may be out-of-date tomorrow.