WARFARE IN SHANGHAI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21101, 8 February 1932, Page 10

WARFARE IN SHANGHAI.

ANTI-JAPANESE MOVEMENT. ACTION OF AUCKLAND CHINESE. * I PRINCIPAL SOCIETIES COMBINE. Tlie continuance of Japanese aggression at Shanghai is arousing the keenest resentment in the Auckland Chinese community, and the outcome of efforts toward the union of the political factions represented in New Zealand is the proposed formation of an anti-Japanese organisation. A successful preliminary meeting toward thi3 end vras held in Grey's Avenue last evening. The name of the organisation is the Hok Lun Wu Kiu Kong Yat Kau Kwok Wui, a free translation of which means the Auckland Chinese Salvation of China and Anti-Japanese Society." More than ]OO Chinese residents were addressed in Grey's Avenue yesterday by the Chinese Presbyterian missioner in Auckland, the Rev. Y. S. Chau, who has been approached by representatives o't Chinese societies in Auckland to promote the national spirit. A notable feature of the meeting was the enthusiasm for the national movement displayed by members of organisations which, prior to Japan s campaign, were divided into political thought. Cantonese and Shanghai. Great interest is taken by Auckland's Chinese residents, who are Cantonese principally, in the situation in Shanghai, where the most important Chinese businesses are operated by the commercial Cantonese. It has been Canton s business endeavour in many parts of China which has been an important force in promoting national unity, and Mr. Chau, in his address to the Chinese residents of Auckland, emphasised that China must present a concerted front to Japan. Japan's methods he described as "ok toll kik"—"wicked to the limit"—and the only good he could see arising from the warfare in Shanghai, apart from binding Chinese interests, was to show to the whole world the menace of Japan s attitude. In effect, China wai; fighting in the interests of world peace. Japan, he contended, had been talking of peace at tlie League of Nations and preparing: for war at the same time. Because oi the undoubted menace to China as a nation, the tongs were being brought together and an evidence of revived nationalism was the movement in Auckland to form an anti-Japanese society. The organisation would be representative o.t all factions. In addition to the object of outlining to the Chinese community the meaning of Japan's militant attitude, opportunity was taken at the meeting to raiss funds for the proposed national organisation. The Chinese method of collection differs from the European practice of cash contributions in that collecting books are passed around and a note of the contribution i 3 supplied. The response was extremely satisfactory. Movement at its Inception. Mr. Chau made it clear that the movement in Auckland was merely at its beginning. It was proposed to conduct an active campaign and it was hoped that the anti-Japanese society would typify China's awakening national sense. It was important to note that, some of the most influential Chinese citizens of Auckland, including Mr. Wong Doo, Mr. Jin Ming Woot and Mr. Ng' Fong, were present at the inaugural meeting. When the anti-Japanese society is in full operation, efforts are to be directed toward an expression favouring the union of Chinese armies. In Japan, the loyalty of a soldier is to the Emperor; in China, a soldier's loyalty has been to his particular commander. This circumstance is felt, to be inimical to national interests. The boycott of Japanese goods by China has the support of the community :ti Auckland. The practice is considered to lie highly effective for more than half of Japan's trade has been with China While there has been an exceptionally large number of departures of Gjiiuese from Nov Zealand in recent weeks, this circumstance does not mea.n that those leaving tlie country intend to take part in the warfare. Many of the Chinesie are returning to China in the course of ordinary visits, although some possibly are intent on dealing with property in view of the possibility of extended hostilities. The Chinese attitude is one of peaceful settlement if possible. At tire same time, the Nationalist Party in particular desires determination strengthened by Chinese unity in the face of aggression.