MANCHUKUO

Evening Star, Issue 21993, 1 April 1935, Page 1

MANCHUKUO

WESTERN FRONTIER IHGiOENTS While it would bo difficult to estimate at present what part the western frontier of Manchukuo will play in Far Eastern affairs, it is safe to assume that it will bo ono of great importance. The great countries of Outer and tnner Mongolia now mark that boundary (says a ‘ Sydney Morning Heralfl ’ writer). Such a position brings the Mongol question within the sphere of world affairs. China’s relationship with Outer Mongolia ended with the fall of the Majachu Empire in 1911 when Outer Mongolia became a republic under Soviet influence. The position of Inner Mongolia since 1911 has been more indefinite. Chinese influence in trade and her steady migratory invasion prevented any attempts at independence being successful. The Mongol princes feared absorption by Outer Mongolia and the loss of trade with China, both of which threatened their personal interests and the welfare of their people, and Mongolia, as a whole, suffered for lack of strong and disinterested, leadership. But the pressure of migration from south of the Great Wall was steadily driving the Mongols northwards, and the threat to their lands found them more than favourably inclined towards Japan and the new State of Manchukuo as a moans of help against absorption. DIVIDED INTERESTS. Chinese interests in Inner Mongolia are divided between the adjoining provinces of Chahar and Suiyuan. Southern Chahar, extending westward to Suiyan, is colonised by Chinese to the extent of 70 per cent., and Suiyan almost entirely. The Mongols are represented in the south of Chahar by the Chahar League, and in the north b.y the Silingol League. That great authority. Mr Owen Lattimore, states that the Silingol territory, adjoining Outer Mongolia, is the only region in Inner Mongolia that has entirely escaped Chinese colonisation. The Silingol League, which embraces five tribes, is therefore the main resisting body against Chinese aggression. The Chahar Mongols in the south have been driven back and disorganised by Chinese colonisation,"and many have been forced into the ranks of the bandits.

Japan was ready to provide the moans whereby all the Mongols might become united and stay the oncoming tide of invasion from the south. Within the Empire of Manchukuo was formed the now province of Hsingan, tho largest

Manchukuan province, having an area estimated at 100,000 square miles. Hsingan _ became an autonomous Mongol province under Mongol princes. The laws of Manchukuo prevent Chinese migration within this province. To what extent this masterstroke of diplomacy on the part of Japan will help in the future of Manchukuo and that empire’s relations with the Mongols, time alone will show. Mr Lattimore finds in the fronter aspects of Hsingan some likeness to the North-west Frontier of India.

It will bo seen that tho Mongol princes can now lead their peoples untroubled, inasmuch as they enjoy a status amounting to an ■alliance with Japan. Tho question to bo answered is—what are the real aspirations of the Mongo] people? That they do not wish to be ruled by China is certain, but do they wish to bo ruled by Russia or Japan? - Probably not. But their history would incline them towards something in tho nature of a MongolManchu Alliance under a Mancha Emperor, such ns tho Emperor of Manchukuo. Such an event would be distinctly unpopular in both Soviet Russia and China. CHAHAR. Developments occurred in two places towards the end of last month. One was the frontier trouble at Chahar, The area in ’dispute is a narrow salient extending from the south-western corner of Jehol northwards, bounded by the Great Wall on the west and Jehol on the east. Japan holds the Great Wall to be tho acknowledged boundary, and therefore the salient to be part of Jehol. Japan requested the Chairman of the Chahar Provincial Government, General Sung Chen-Yuan, to withdraw his troops from this area as they were encroaching within Jehol. Some' minor engagements took place between January 20 and 23 which resulted in the occupation of the area in dispute by Japanese and Manchukuan troops. It is reported that a conference between the parties concerned will be held to decide the dispute. It seems unlikely that the present position, however, will be disturbed.

The second incident took place on or about January 5, some 500 miles north, in the vicinity of Lake Buir. This lake, important for its fishing,- forms part of tho between Outer Mongolia and the province of Hsingan. The incident is described as a brush between frontier guards of Outer Mongolia and Manchukuo, and tho official report proclaims that it will be amicably settled. Rumour was abroad, however, last June in North China, suggesting that Japan was contemplating action against Chahar. General Sung Cheh-Yuan in Chahar was reported as attempting to reorganise disbanded bandit forces which were, independently, causing interna) trouble. In addition, elaborate war preparations wore said to be going on in Outer Mongolia. As late as December last, the Japanese Minister, Mr Ariyoslu, emphatically denied that Japan regarded the whole of Chahar as being within Manchukuo’s sphere of interest. The western boundary of Manchukuo still remains a problem, by no means the least difficult, which Japan has to face.