JAPAN’S STRATEGY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 18918, 21 January 1936, Page 2

JAPAN’S STRATEGY

INNER MONGOLIAN EMPIRE ANTI-SOVIET lIH.WARK I'lic rapid extension of Japanese inilu ence ill Northern China and the establishment of an independent Inner .Mongolian empire under the supreme rule u| Prince Teh Wang was announced in yesterday's cable news. By this .sensational blow, it was stated. Japan had succeeded in outflanking Russia's ally, tlu> independent Outer Mongolian republic, and had completed the encirclement- of North China by new puppet states accepting Japanese overlordship. The vast State ot Inner ..Mongolia, 'hitherto under the Nanking Government, would now be controlled from L'okio.

Commenting upon this news, Mi-, Reginald W. Sturt, F.R-.G.5., a mission, ary explorer from Johol province, eastern Inner Aipngoiia, declared that it- was of far-reaching importance to the East and marked another successful step in Japan’s efforts to create, an effective buffer State against the eastward march of the Soviet Government towards the Orient.

A tug-of-war had recently developed between Russia, through the Soviet- , ruled Outer Mongolia, and Japan, through monareliiat Mancliiikuo, and tremendous consequences affecting the peace of the Orient rested upon these political activities. Japan’s nety buffer province of Khingan, in conjunction with Munclmkuo, was insufficient to keep back the Russians, and they were liable to be. outflanked by Outer Mongolia, now under Soviet influence. It was necessary for Japan to straighten its line of defence, and this new buffer State of Cliarur, whose people are the traditional watchers of the borders, was the result-. Japan, had planned to bring Dies** neighboring States into Mancnuluio, hut failing that, had taken the next best step by making these independent Mongol tribes their allies, if this alliance was consolidated it would greatly strengthen Japan’s position, and avoid its Hank being seriously menaced. Mr. Sturt said he anticipated that tinneighboring independent Mongols in SuiVan and Ninglisia provinces, and the Orel os tribes, to the north of Kansu province, China’s north-western boundary, would doubtless throw in their lot with this new independent alliance under Prince Teh Wang, thus federating the whole of Inner Mongolia, which was hitherto under the Nanking Government. Prince Teh Wang was an outstanding* leader amongst these remarkable Mongol tribes. If this alliance was effected it would safeguard Japan’s position and complete a strong bulwark against Soviet invasion from the north.

History was only repenting itself, declared Mr. Sturt. It was merely a repetition of what, took place 300, 6CO and 1000 years ago under the Manchu, Mongol and the Lio dynasties. It. would be interesting to watch the effect upon Outer Mongolia, now under Soviet rule, but greatly dissatisfied. Another significant point would be its effect on Pekin, lor Japan had clearly indicated lo the Nanking. Government that it would, not tolerate hostile neighbors in thill quarter. The last advance of the Mancha dynasty into Pekin, it should be recalled, was not by way of invasion, but by way of invitation to drive out the rebels. When they reached Pekin the rebel leader was dead, so they remained there in occupation.