CHINA CONFIDENT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24855, 3 March 1942, Page 5

CHINA CONFIDENT

SPIRIT OF DETERMINATION SPURRED BY REVERSES RUGBY, Feb. 27. An assurance that China fully realised the vital issues at stake in the present common struggle against aggression was given by the Chinese Ambassador, Dr Wellington Koo. China’s experience of nearly five years had further reinforced the conviction that unless Japan was decisively defeated there could be no assurance of freedom in Asia. The magnificent fight of the Filipinos under General MacArthur in Batan was eloquent evidence of what contribution could be had from a native population when its interest in the struggle was aroused and its heart was in it • Dr Koo considered that in countries which the Allies were still defending this problem was worth all the consideration which could be given it. In order to fulfil the need for total resistance it was indispensable that the spirit of the people in the regions concerned should be fully awakened and their strength and co-operation enlisted. r . ; * China viewed the situation in the south-west Pacific with deep concern, but without misgiving. She looked upon the repeated setbacks as grave, hut regarded them as. part of the vicissitudes. The situation in Burma was serious, but the cutting of the Burma road, while undoubtedly a grievous blow, would not paralyse the war effort. For some time an alternative route had been under construction, and for immediate purposes another route was being developed. President Roosevelt had assured China that whatever happened to the Burma road the United States would do everything possible to continue to send supplies to her army. Britain, Burma, and India were all co-operating to keep communications open, for this was not the first time China had been threatened with isolation. Now, as before, the difficulties of the present dangers and of the immediate future would only steel Chinese hearts, stimulate exertions, and hasten achievement of final victory. China always looked forward. The fall of Singapore and Malaya, far from cooling Chinese ardour, had the effect of further fortifying their resolve. Marshal Chiang Kai-shek was the personification of China’s spirit of resistance. China, as a member of the Grand Alliance, had dedicated herself to the Allied cause. The next few weeks and months, concluded Dr Koo, would probably be very trying for the Allies in Asia and Europe, but China and the Chinese people were girding up their loins, setting their teeth to face the test, and were confident in final triumph.