Chinese Puppet Leader Apparently Defies Tokio

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 280, 27 November 1939, Page 3

Chinese Puppet Leader Apparently Defies Tokio

Out of the confusion of Chinese politics and Japanese intrigue, there is a prospect of a Government being set up that will govern those parts of China occupied by the Japanese, a Government that Tokio might bo prepared to accept, but which is capable of maintaining the interests of the Chinese: Japan has sought to establish a puppet Government under Wang Ching-wei, but Wang now appears to have put himself in a position where he can exact terms favourable to the Chinese.

The Shanghai correspondent of the United Press says that the puppet Mr. Wang Ching-wei’s Central China Daily News, in an editorial, insists that Wang’s movement is all-Chinese and not pro-Japanese. “Japan,” it says,

“cannot organise the new Chinese Government. She cannot overthrow Chiang Kai-shek. Only the Chinese can deal with this problem. The new Government’s relations with Japan must be independent and based on self-deter-mination. ’ ’

This, says the correspondent, indicates that the delay in the proclamation of Wang’s new Central China Government has been caused by a deadlock over the Chinese terms, which are:—

First, Wang is unwilling to conclude a binding peace treaty before liis proclamation as Prime Minister unless lie obtains more specific terms than Prince Konoyc’s declaration of December 22 last.

Secondly, the terms of Sino-Japanese co-operation must be specifically defined.

Thirdly, the partial withdrawal of the Japanese troops from Central and South China must start immediately the Government is proclaimed. ■ Fourthly, Japan must guarantee the eventual complete withdrawal of troops except from North China and Inner Mongolia. Neutral quarters regard the editorial as equivalent to Wang’s personal statement, possibly indicating a dangerous breach with the Japanese. Nevertheless, it may be propaganda designed to influence wavering Chinese to join Wang in the belief that ho will establish a truly independent Government.