FIGHT TO THE END

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23085, 9 July 1938, Page 16

FIGHT TO THE END

FAR EASTERN STRUGGLE both sides confident STEADFASTNESS OF CHINA TbY TELEGRAPII PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Friday China's steadfast resolution to defend her country to the last man, no matter how long the Sino-Japanese war might last, was expressed by the Chinese Consul Mr. Feng Wan-?, when speaking on'the occasion of the anniversary of the outbreak of the Far Eastern war. "This is the first anniversary ot tne beginning of ' Chinese resistance to Japanese aggression,"- _ said Mr. leng W'ing "At the beginning of hostilities the enemy thought, they would make an end of the war in about three months. Now they are reported to have stated there will be 10 years of war, but no matter' how long this war is going to continue China will fight to her last man. "As to the outcome, there has never at any time been v any doubt in the minds of the Chinese people. They know time will tell in their favour. The longer the war lasts the stronger will be their determination to see it through to its victorious conclusion. Nothing is impossible for a country of 450.000,000 people, who have made up their minds to win." The Wellington Japanese kept no observances of tho anniversary of the outbreak of the war, and the Japanese Consul, Mr. Kuchi Gunji, said to-day: "Wo shall celebrate when we succeed and not until then. Our newly-ap-pointed Foreign Minister, General Ugaki, made tho statement that Japan was prepared to carry on the war for 10 years if necessary. That should confound those who have said Japan was exhausting her forces. Tho whole nation is united in supporting the Government's policy. It is characteristic of our people that they unite to meet external troubles. I still hear it said that Japan will be bankrupted, or there will be a revolution, but that comment is made by those who do not understand the Japanese character. We are fighting for life or death, and we are confident that wo shall emerge victorious."