CHINA LOOKS FORWARD

Southland Times, Issue 24682, 2 March 1942, Page 5

CHINA LOOKS FORWARD

CONFIDENCE IN FINAL VICTORY (8.0.W.) RUGBY, February 28. An assurance that China fully realized the vital issue at stake in the present common struggle against aggression was given by the Chinese Ambassador, Mr Wellington Koo. He said that 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 the Batan Peninsula was eloquent evidence of what a contribution could be had from a native population when its interest in the struggle was aroused, and its heart was in it. Mr 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. China viewed the situation in the South-West Pacific with deep concern but without misgiving. She looked upon the repeated setbacks as grave but regarded them as part of the vicissitudes of war. THE BURMA ROAD 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 building, and for immediate purposes another route was being developed. Mr 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 and free. This was not the first time that China had been threatened with isolation. She would overcome the danger now as she had done before. The difficulties of the present and the dangers of the immediate future would only steel Chinese hearts and stimulate exertions to hasten the achievement of final victory.

China always looks forward. The fall of Singapore and Malaya, far from cooling her ardour, had had the effect of further fortifying her 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 Mr Koo, “will probably be very trying for the Allies in Asia and Europe, but China and the Chinese people are girding up their loins and setting their teeth to face the test confident of final triumph.” A message from Toronto states that Dr T. V. Soong, China’s Foreign Minister, accompanied by his wife and a large military and diplomatic entourage, have arrived on a visit of inspection of the war production industries. It is reported from Chungking that Marshal Chiang Kai-shek is personally arranging a strong diplomatic mission to India with a view to establishing the closest relations between India and China.