THE FAR EAST

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20511, 1 September 1936, Page 14

THE FAR EAST

JAPAN’S POLICY OF EXPANSION By Ipit-erapb ew AshorlatlOD WELLINGTON, August 31. “Japan has a definite policy for expansion to the Far East, and she is determined to pursue her plans in spite of opposition and hints of reprisals,” said Mr I. G, G. Mackay, of Invercargill, who arrived by the Makura for Sydney to-day, after an extensive tour of the Far East. Manchuria, he said, is is now a well-governed Japanese State, and soon North China will become another of Japan’s possessions. Large numbers of Japanese soldiers are being sent to Tientsin, which now largely resembles a Japanese fortified area.

"I am certain if the nations of Europe become involved in a conflict over the situation in Spain, the Japanese Government, finding the coast clear, will step in, and formally annex North China,” Mr Mackay said. Immense quantities of goods were being smuggled into North China, and the Chinese customs authorities could not effectively deal with the situation. Chinese Customs officers were not protected, and were often assaulted by unruly Japanese and Koreans, who escorted the illicit cargo.