War Psychology Abroad

Northern Advocate, 17 July 1939, Page 4

War Psychology Abroad

STRIKING evidence of the war psychology inherent in the prevailing state of international tension is apparent in late cablegrams from two of the world’s greatest capitals. From Tokio come reports of violent anti-British demonstrations while from Paris come news of a different character. Parisian crowds saluted British detachments in their 14th of July parade with great manifestations of pro-British fervour. Both episodes are symptomatic of a dangerous state of unrest, which can only end in war, sooner or later, unless prudence and tolerance are permitted to overcome the distrust and suspicion which breed war. The demonstrations against Britain in Japanese cities are reported to have been the most intense exhibitions of feeling against a foreign power in the history of Japan. It would seem that the rabid militaristic faction in Japan has successfully implanted the seeds of hostility in a population which normally takes but little interest in foreign affairs. The war in China, however, is making a severe drain on Japan’s resources. In the circumstances it is easy to blame Britain for the stubbornness of the Chinese resistance, though actually Britain has scrupulously refrained from aiding the Chinese, beyond protecting her own interests. It is amusing to read that the Japs are demanding a boycott of British and Australian trade. The slogan: “Don’t Buy Japanese Goods,” has been a familiar one in New Zealand for many months, but, at the present time, a shipment of Japanese onions ordered by the Government is on its way to New Zealand. Neither side apparently wants to trade with the other, but cessation of trade would involve loss and inconvenience to both.