Greymouth Evening Star. WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 1943. JAPANESE SAVAGERY.

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 May 1943, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 1943. JAPANESE SAVAGERY.

yiiE sympathy and indignation aroused in Australia by the latest Japanese atrocity, the sinking of a hospital ship, will be shared by all New Zealanders, whose Prime Minister has probably already sent a message expressing these sentiments to Canberra. The Dominion’s sorrow at the lass of 300 lives and a finelyequipped ship, will be merged with the realisation that it might have been a New Zealand hospital ship so criminally destroyed, seeing the enemy is the same. There was no excuse for the Japanese wanton murder of those engaged on a mission of mercy, and the deed will be included in the list of ocean horrors of which all honest seamen are ashamed.

The sinking of hospital ships by the Germans was not unknown during the 1914-18 war, but in none of these previous instances was the act more callous Hi an that which occurred off the Queensland coast last Friday morning. The Japanese may try to find some excuse, or issue a denial, but they again stand condemned as a barbarous nation, unfitted to be ranked among civilised peoples. Their whole record in the past 18 months of war has demonstrated their savagery and blood-lust, and no horror they perpetrate should cause surprise. Mr. Curtin has issued a strong protest, but the Japanese Government is unlikely to be penitent. The only “protests” able to influence Hie Japanese are those by force of arms, bringing about the abolition of their power for evil and destruction. The righteous vengeance will best be forthcoming when the Allies are able to attack Japan, herself. Meanwhile, the Australian people should be influenced by the Centaur tragedy to re-double their war-work efforts, so that the invasion of Japan may be expedited. The numerous strikes and other industrial stoppages are not compatible with the indignation expressed at Japanese atrocities. The knowledge that so cruel an enemy has to be defeated should prompt the utmost endeavours to produce wdiat is essential for early victory. Injustices or cause for grievance on the industrial front are trifling, indeed, compared with the burdens that have to be endured by those employed on active service, even when non-combatants. No ground should be given to the Forces to question ■whether the stay-at-homes are worth the sacrifices being daily made for their safety and liberties. Meanwhile, it is gratifying to learn of U.S.A, progress in the recapture of Attn, the maintenance of Allied raids in the Pacific, and the other lia.ppenings telling that the day is close when the Japanese will have to pay dearly for their treacheries and crimes since Pearl Harbour.