MANCHURIA.

Evening Star, Issue 20943, 6 November 1931, Page 8

MANCHURIA.

After a protracted sitting at Geneva, in which efforts were made to adjust the trouble between China and Japan in Manchuria, the League Council adjourned till the 16th of this month. It was hoped that in the interval, as a result of the council’s conciliatory efforts, the points in dispute would bo adjusted and the way paved for a permanent settlement. But from incidents reported in the last few days it docs not appear that any marked progress in this direction has been made. On the contrary, indeed, for a new and disturbing development lias taken place. It was reported yesterday that Tsitsihar, the provincial capital of Heilungkiang, a Northern Manchurian province, which is within the Soviet sphere of influence, was occupied by Japanese troops. This statement, taken by itself, suggests a wanton and aggressive movement, but when tbo reason for the Japanese commander’s action is given we sec it in a different light. Ap-

patently railway bridges have been destroyed, interfering greatly with the transportation of products and other goods to and from Japan, and it is to afford the repair gangs tho necessary military protection that Tsitsihar has been occupied, the inference being that from that area the destructive activities have emanated. This seems to support tho reports that have from time to time appeared asserting that all through this Manchurian trouble Soviet agents have been busy working underground. Japan has always been a loyal member of the League of Nations, and the difficulty the council has had in effecting a settlement of this dispute suggests that there is much connected with it that has not appeared on the surface. Tho Tokio Government issued a statement on September 24 defining its position very clearly. It offered to negotiate a comprehensive settlement with the Chinese Administration at Nanking, and declared: “Japan has no territorial designs in Manchuria. It only expects that Japanese subjects shall be permitted to enjoy security, engage in various peaceful pursuits, and take part in the development of the country by their capital or labour.” The statement declared that Japan had been trying to promote friendly relations with China during recent years, but many unpleasant incidents in Manchuria had given the Japanese people the impression that this policy was not reciprocated. There are at least three ways at tho present moment in which Japan is harassed in safeguarding her great Manchurian interests. The first is the anti-Japanese movement in China, which Japanese statesmen declare is conducted as an instrument of national policy under the direction of tho Nationalist Party—actually the Government. It is asserted in Tokio that this movement is not only in contravention of the letter and spirit of the treaties existing between tho two countries, but constitutes a form of hostility without use of arms contrary to all the standards of justice and friendship. Japan’s second difficulty is the misgovernment by tho Chinese in Manchuria, the result being that the province, like the greater part of China proper, is overrun by “ soldier bandits and tho third trouble is Soviet penetration and propaganda which have for their object the stirring up of the restless elements. Another complication is that autonomy movements have sprung up in Manchuria, which js not surprising, seeing that Nanking is unable efficiently to govern tho province and that the Manchurian War Lord (Chang Hsueh-liang), even if his intentions are good, is an ineffective ruler. The developments reported to-day are full of disturbing possibilities, and suggest that renewed energy on the part of the League Council is highly desirable.