The Northern Advocate Daily “NORTHLAND FIRST” MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 1938. Japan Trails Her Coat

Northern Advocate, 10 January 1938, Page 4

The Northern Advocate Daily “NORTHLAND FIRST” MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 1938. Japan Trails Her Coat

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THERE are many people in Europe and America who fear and distrust Japan. Fortunately for their peace of mind, Japan periodically, and often in a curiously ostentatious manner, parades her most serious weaknesses before the world. That weakness is implicit in the limitations of the Japanese military mind, which now plays a paramount part in guiding the nation’s destinies. As a result, either of arrogance engendered hy success or of desperation because the success has not been greater, the Japanese are adopting a more truculent attitude towards other Powers with interests in China, and particularly towards Britain, The situation that is developing cannot be viewed other than with grave concern, for a position is being reached where, unless Japan is put in her place, other nations will he compelled to renounce all rights in Chinese territory. Already Britain and the United States of America have submitted to various indignities, and today’s cable news shows that Russian and French nationals are also becoming involved. Judging by previous capitulations, Japan has some reason for assuming that a policy of diplomatic surrender will be continued indefinitely; this, in fact, is the only possible explanation of the contemptuous attitude which she has adopted. At first sight it might seem expedient to give way to Japan and to ignore her breaches of international law and treaty obligations, hut such a course might he fraught with far-reaching and serious consequences. In the first place, it could be accepted as a tacit admission that obligations are not necessarily binding upon the contracting parties, and, secondly, it would undoubtedly encourage Japan and other belligerent Powers to further abuses. Within the past week there have been three reports which emphasise the growing gravity of the situation. Firstly, there were the Japanese terms upon Which peace would be negotiated. Although these were naturally addressed to China, they involved an infringement of the right of other nations, which, apparently, were to he ignored in any settlement.

Japan was to be granted a complete hegemony over China, notwithstanding t|iat her interests in that country are of considerably less value than those of Great Britain, and Quite regardless of the substantial interests of France, Italy, and the United States. Nothing more than this was required to demonstrate the contempt which Japan lias for the rest of the world. Then there was the Ministerial attack on Great Britain. There was a virtual threat that a clash with the Empire could be avoided only if Great Britain and the Dominions were prepared to reach a comprehensive political and economic agreement. In other words, the price of peace with Japan is, apparently, to he an extension of trade facilities to Japan in British countries, and, at the same time, the complete sacrifice of British interests in the Far East; Japan wants it both ways, exclusive rights m the Far East and wider scope in other fields.

The aftermath of the vainglorious victorious procession through the streets of the International Settlement 'at Shanghai is revealed in week-end messages, narrating brutal attacks on British and Russian citizens. The Japanese demands for virtual control of the International Settlement, and the manner in which her militarists are parading their power, must lead to a repetition of many such incidents. The Japanese are trailing their coat. The Powers with, interests in China have put up with a great deal, but it would be a mistake for Japan to exaggerate the amount of damage she has done them and to base-on that exaggerated amount an estimate of how much further she can go with impunity. Ihe direct consequences of acquiescence with the Japanese plans might not be particularly serious, but the real issue is whether or not Great Britain and the United States are meekly to accept dictation from (another Power. Botli at the time, of the “Victory march” and in relation to the more recent incidents, France has adopted a stronger attitude, with the result that Japanese temerity has been cheeked. Japan’s whole policy is based on the belief that Britain and America will not fight.