CHINA AND THE LEAGUE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23149, 22 September 1938, Page 12

CHINA AND THE LEAGUE

The only probable outcome of League action with reference to the conflict between Japan and China is that which is reported from Marshal Chiang Kai-shek's headquarters. There the Council's decision to grant China's request for the application of Article XVII. has been welcomed as a means of strengthening the spirit of Chinese resistance. Hitherto the inaction of the League has had, according Jo official protests, a dispiriting effect. In this instance, on the contrary, the Council has unhesitatingly taken formal steps to bring the dispute within League jurisdiction by inviting Japan to accept the obligations of membership, for the purposes of the dispute, in terms of the Covenant. However, there seems to be no likelihood of Japan's acceptance of these obligations and consequently no likelihood of the League's proceeding to enforce sanctions, in spite of the Chinese delegate's detailed proposals. These include, inquiry by neutral observers into Japan's conduct as a combatant, but memories of the fate of the Lytton Report on hostilities in Manchuria discourage any hope that such inquiry will have practical effect. Even more than at that time, the League is beset by difficulties, and Lord de la Warr's advocacy of a modification of' the sanctions article, on behalf of the British Government/ introduces a further difficulty in proceeding with disciplinary measures against ji declared aggressor. Nor is it a promising time to convene, in compliance with China's request, a general conference of member and non-member States with a view to preparing an airwarfare convention. These conclusions are unwelcome, yet they cannot be escaped. Geneva resolutions at the present time have little chance of producing an abatement of the bitterness and tragedy of the SinoJapanese strife. The League lacks | capacity, and it is more than ever' dependent upon the . occurrence of favourable opportunity, which is a matter quite beyond its control.