A FRIENDLIER JAPAN?

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23124, 24 August 1938, Page 12

A FRIENDLIER JAPAN?

To be greeted with hope is the report of the Tokio correspondent of the Times that a recognition of the unwisdom of antagonising foreign countries, especially Britain, is being manifested in Japan. Expediency rather than a sincere regard for foreign opinion is, it seems, the ruling motive, for the critical stage of the Chinese campaign is named as the duration of this change of attitude. However, the report treats the Japanese newspaper suggestions of the wiser course as preliminaries to a Government effort to educate the people in a friendlier bearing toward the outside world. Should this effort be immediately and thoroughly made, it may lead to a more promising outlook in the Far East. There is an immense amount of leeway to be made up, of course, before the process of popular education in milder manners can have much effect. Not only among the troops invading China, but as a general temper in Japan itself, studied hostility to nations of the West, except Italy and Germany, appears to have been officially incited. It has been an integral part of the campaign, evident even in recent public statements by the Government as well as in incidents at the front. More than a day or two will be needed to bring about the suggested change. A further difficulty presents itself. Japan's methods of terrorism in China have produced a stern reaction in most non-Chinese countries. Never was Japan's moral stock lower in the estimation of the world than it is at the present moment. To moderate foreign antagonism will involve more, therefore, than a general Japanese wish to be on good terms with foreign countries; it means a recovery of respect by abandoning practices that have attracted resentment throughout the world.