The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.)

Hokitika Guardian, 4 December 1940, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.)

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1940 CHINA

China is prominent in the news again. Japan lias tried in vain to secure peace with Chiaug. Kai-Shek, and has resolved now to give open support to the Wang Cliing-Wei Government, set up originally by Japan in the occupied area. The war lias been dragging on since 19137, and the resources of Japan have been drained seriously. The Chinese forces suffered great losses, due in the main to the inferior armament, or lack of it, particularly in the air. It has been evident that the task of overcoming the Chinese defenders has been too much for the enemy. China has received support from Bussia and Britain, and now very openly from the United States of America, in the shape of a large loan. The relations between Japan and the United States have not been good for some time, and they will be more strained than ever. The United States never approved of the attempted Japanese expansion in China, and was opposed to the Manchurian expedition. Since then the opposition to Japan of America has been expressed in no uncertain way. When the new Asia movement was announced by Japan, the United States promptly announced opposition to disturbing the status quo, and there has been evidence of ranging beside Britain, to ensure greater naval activity. The United States is securing naval bases in the Far East, including the use of Singapore, and Japan has replied to that action by action in Indo-China, and securing a base at Saigon. This may seem far from China itself, but as credit is being given to China for the. purchase of war equipment, the American aid is material and is most encouraging to the resolute Kai-Shek and his courageous forces. There is no doubt Japan has done her best to bring China to her knees, and it does not seem clear she can exert much more power in that direction, particularly as she is now so ambitious in the south-eastern corner of Asia, if Japan could not succeed with undivided forces, there is less hope with her strength spread over the Chinese sea also. True, the Japanese Navy is fresh and anxious for a clash with a great Power, and a rich prize in store, but the nation will not be, so eager to rush into trouble if it is found that the United States is prepared lo go to war. In any case the States can exercise considerable, pressure by curtailing trade with Japan, and the marvel is that this weapon was not used quietly before this. Japan is very dependent on America for essential supplies, and the loss ol them would seriously affect her war effort. So far. however, China has not become a real bone of contention, but the American finance is a serious blow to Japan, which with the already substantial support, troin Britain passing through the Burma Bond, the enemy rival "will be able to replenish her resources and make her delence more certain. China, if Tapan relaxes, can pay attention to the Wang Government, so that there will be trouble in plenty to occupy Japan outside of the ambitious ,scheme in Southern Asia,

I'n kick is an air of mystery about the United States Ambassador to Great Britain, who lias just returned to the United States to tender his resignation and act as a long-range ambassador till his successor is appointed. Air Kennedy who was appointed to office at the beginning of 1938, is a staunch supporter and intimate adviser of President Roosevelt, and lias been credited with working persistently for Anglo-American friendship. Owing to his wealth and standing lie has been credited as being one of the most important personalities in international polities. He seems to have enjoyed some reflected glory also from the fact that lie is the father of nine, and very proud of it ! . However, he does not appear to have figured greatly of late in international politics. The ordinary channels of publication did not feature him greatly in connection with his London work, but when he returned to America the local press was not slow to publish some alleged views to the effect he was not impressed greatly with the sample of British democratfv which he saw, and thought it was rather tending towards national socialism. .Incidentally, lie did not favour America’s entry into, the war, and was striving to prevent it. This attitude is not favoured by many of the Americans in England, many of whom have been heard over tlie air. The ordeal the Motherland is passing through and the manner in which the people are standing up to the punishment for the defence of their national ideals, suggests that the label of democracy fits them well, and if they are tending towards a larger degree of socialism for the betterment of all, so much the better. Air Holland, the new leader of the National Party, has spoken with pleasure of the trend in this country towards similar ideals, and appeared to look on the arrival at such a state of mind, as the opening of a new era for the country. Mr Kennedy’s . comments therefore need not have a disturbing effect.