The Times FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1941. Japan to America

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 265, 7 November 1941, Page 4

The Times FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1941. Japan to America

The Nipponese seven-point programme for the maintenance of Japanese-American relations, as announced by tlic Japan Tiuies-Advertiser, a paper closely in touch with the Foreign Office, not only breathes a spirit of arrogance and seeming indifference to the consequences arising from such an attitude, but omits even the slightest evidence of a desire to negotiate. The mouthpiece of the Tokio Foreign Office which publishes the seven-point programme declares that Japan proposes to stand pat for her rights, a declaration which would appear to endorse the spirit of arrogance which the militaristic party has chosen to assume. If in truth such a programme has been drawn up, logical reasoning must reach the conclusion that Japanese mentality has become unbalanced.

The programme demands that America discontinue all aid to China, which is lighting the democracies’ battle in the East by defending herself against the aggressive forces of Japan. Presumably in this first point in the programme Japan seeks the aid of America towards hastening the collapse of the defenders of China. In point two America is asked to leave China free to deal direct with Japan to end hostilities. Since Japan started hostilities and has pursued them for some years now, it would seem that instead of America being asked to leave China alone, Japan should ask herself how far she is responsible for the situation which she now finds so embarrassing.

Unable to secure a very much desired verdict in her favour, Japan in point three appears to seek the aid of powerful America to coax China into submitting. Unbeaten China stands firm and Japan, concerned over her inability to conquer China and fearing defeat, endeavours to circumvent national reaction to the muddle she has made of things by demanding that America assist.

Just what qualification Japan can claim to possess in demanding that America acknowledge her leadership in the Western Pacific is difficult to assess. It cannot be said to rest upon the nation’s attitude towards China and the deliberate destruction of a peaceful economic policy of development in favour of a cruel war against a vast and ill-equipped peaceful nation. These are actions which do not make for leadership in any co-prosperity plans. The qualities of leadership are, if American or British standards are to be accepted, not made of such stuff.

Next in the seven-point programme is a demand that America recognise Manchukuo. Here the Nipponese appear to bo forgetful of the opportunities for a peaceful settlement of this problem, flatly refusing to stand by Japan’s pledges given as a member of the League of Nations. This was just over eight years ago, and now Japan has the effrontery to demand that America recognise her right to this territory plundered from China. In a spirit of aggression Japan decided to pursue her own policy, withdrawing from the League, announcing a naval building programme and then telling the world that she would claim equality of naval armaments at the Conference of 1935.

The final demand made on America reflect the economic pressure which Japan is undoubtedly suffering as a consequence of the curtailment of trade between the two countries amounting to something approaching a blockade of Japan. A new trade treaty is sought and this, the seven-point programme sets out, must be negotiated by America. In addition, all restrictions on shipping and commerce must be removed and failure to accept the programme will, according to the Foreign Office organ, cause Japan to adopt defensive measures. There can be no doubts as to the American reaction to such demands. America has manifested considerable patience towards this Far Eastern problem in which her interests have been imperilled. Every endeavour has been made to avoid a break in diplomatic relations with Japan, whose militarists appear determined to add to the tenseness of an already precarious situation. It is quite obvious that America cannot concede any one of the seven points because each and all have far-reaching implications as well as implying Japanese domination of the Western Pacific which is unthinkable.

And now with one of those oriental somersaults which are so puzzling to the occidental mind the Japanese Government has sent one of its most experienced diplomats post haste to Washington to assist its Ambassador there to facilitate the progress of the negotiations. Notwithstanding all the bellicose trumpetings of the Japanese press, it would appear that even the present Government has no stomach for the desperate gamble of war.