MANCHURIAN AFFAIRS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 17951, 1 December 1932, Page 12

MANCHURIAN AFFAIRS

•JAPANESE ATTITUDE justification of action The attitude of Japan towards China in the Sino-Japanese clash in Mauchuria is summed up in an article in the Japanese Empire for 1932. Inter alia the article says: “The continuous abuse which China has perpetrated upon Japan through the violation of Japan’s treaty rights and fanatic outbursts against this country, cases of which are too numerous to count here, especially since the latter part of L 930, has forced Japan to take drastic measures in Manchuria for the sheer purpose of safeguarding her treaty rights and special interests in the region, as well as protecting tho lives and property of Japanese subjects residing in Manchuria, including a large number of Koreans. MENACE TO PEACE AND ORDER “Finally, the destruction by Chinese soldiers, who are regular troops of the Mukden army, of the South Manchuria Railway track in the vicinity of Mukden in September, 1931, has compelled the Japanese army stationed in Manchuria to take tho proper steps against the Chineso challenge to put an end to the constant menace to the peace and order in Manchuria and Japan’s rights and interests in the region, for which the Chineso Government is responsible. “This was the direct cause of the regrettable clash between the Japanese army and Chines troops in Manchuria which has created something like a sensation in diplomatic circles in Europe and America, particularly among those Powers who are members of tho League of Nations and signatory parties to the Kellogg Anti-War Pact.” MANCHURIA BOUND TO JAPAN Elsewhere the article states: “It would ho idle to say that the very keen interest which Japan feels in Manchurian affairs is clue only to the vast material interests she possesses there. In the mind of tho Japanese people the safety of Manchuria, both from external menace and internal disruption, is bound up with tho national safety of Japan herself.

“The Japanese Government lias constantly been exercising honest endeavors, in pursuance of its settled policy, to foster friendly relations between Japan and China and to promote tho common prosperity and well-being of tho two countries.' Unfortunately, the conduct of officials and individuals of China for some years has been such that our national sentiment has been irritated. “In particular, unpleasant incidents have taken place ono after tho other in the regions of Manchuria and Mongolia, until tho impression lias gained strength in tho minds of the Japanese people that Japan’s fair and friendly attitude is not being reciprocated by China.”