GENTLENESS TO ENEMIES

Evening Star, Issue 23862, 17 April 1941, Page 8

GENTLENESS TO ENEMIES

AS JAPAN SEES IT Rather belatedly the Japanese army has discovered that if it wishes to make friends with the Chinese it must use benevolence, towards them, not bombs (says ‘ Great Britain and the East ’). Lieutenant-general Tojo, the War Minister, has written a booklet for all Japanese officers and men, enjoining them to treat the inhabitants of hostile countries “ with love and benevolence,” in keeping with “ the fundamental character of the Imperial army.” Enemy property and resources must be protected, and there must be no “ scorning of the accepted courtesies among nations.” Special stress is laid on the rescript of the'Meiji Emperor addressed to soldiers and sailors in 1882: — Those who appreciate true valour should in their daily intercourse set, gentleness first and aim to win the love and esteem of others. If you affect valour and act with violence,; the world will in the end detest you and look upon you as wild beasts. Of this you should take heed. General Tojo does not need to quote this. It is constantly read to the Japanese forces. But as one recalls Nanking, Kaifeng, Hashing, and a hundred other violated Chinese towns, the rescript seems to need more than reading.