The Times THURSDAY, JULY 8, 1943. China’s Six Years of War

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 160, 8 July 1943, Page 4

The Times THURSDAY, JULY 8, 1943. China’s Six Years of War

Six years ago there quietly opened a war, modestly entitled by the aggressor “the China incident,” which has involved more than one quarter of the human race. On the one hand the Japanese attacked rvith great quantities of modern fighting equipment, and on the other the Chinese resisted literally with not so very much more than their bare hands. How magnificent was the resistance made by the Chinese came to be appreciated by the Western World eighteen months ago. Then, indeed, did Europeans have cause to respect what China had done as they themselves felt the tremendous impact of Japanese power in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

On few occasions in history have individuals determined more the course of history than has the leader of China, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek. It is diffioult for a westerner to realise the nature of his role, for China has not known during all these 30 years past that centralised authority to which we are accustomed. Since the revolution in 1911 the great provinces of China had become semi-independent principalities, ruled over by a succession of war lords.

Chiang Kai-shek in the past six years has had to carry on a threefold struggle—to fight off Japanese aggression, to keep the Communists in their place, and to control the war lords. It was impossible to carry on the struggle against a foreign foe without a more united nation than China had been in the past. One great asset to his rule has been a marvellously courageous and patient people possessing an infinite capacity to endure whatever might befall. Prom these has there been moulded, despite all obstacles, a nation unconquerable, forged in the fires of war.

The opening of this seventh year of war dawns brighter for the Chinese than any previous anniversary. China has to-day allies of great ancl ever-growing strength who are determined with her to end Japanese power of aggress.on. As to that ending, there can now be no doubts. The securing of it will come about mainly through the exertions of China, however much aid the Western Powers may provide.

And when the post-war settlement of world affairs is being made, it would be proper that China’s great leader should be most respectfully heard, both because of the proven capacity of his leadership and from the fact that he would be the spokesman for more than one fifth of humanity. In the world-to-be, China will almost certainly stand as one of the Supremely great Powers. And even as the East will have need of the technical developments of the West, so might the West well learn much of moral values from the East.

“A Battle Royal”

What should prove the most interesting and intense of all the contests in the coming general election will be that between the Prime Minister and his Independent opponent, Mr. C. G. Scrimgeour —a “battle royal” between a veritable master of political tactics and a master of propaganda. With both these opponents thoroughly versed in the history of the Labour Party’s rise to power and its subsequent use of the power gained, there should come forth much to rouse public interest. A ruthless and hard-hitting fight must result. Both will doubtless be assured of a good press, for each is a nationally known figure in the first place, and, secondly, there will be the greatest curiosity as to their revelations. Presumably the National Party will also have a candidate in this Wellington electorate, thus providing at least a three-cornered contest. It is therefore quite on the cards that the splitting of the Labour vote will result in giving this seat—that of the Prime Minister of the country—to the Opposition. It would be a strange position for a Government party to be reelected to power, presumably with a very slight majority, and yet be left leaderless. The possibility is there, for at the last election the voting was P. Fraser 9376, W. Appleton 5539, the majority for 'the Prime Minister being 3837.