The Wanganui Chronicle. FRIDAY, APRIL 1. 1938. IN CHINA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 77, 1 April 1938, Page 6

The Wanganui Chronicle. FRIDAY, APRIL 1. 1938. IN CHINA

expected lias happened in China. Japanese armies have

become too extended, and therefore have become vulnerable to flank movements. The latest reports indicate that the Chinese have been successful in these flanking operations, resulting in considerable numbers of Japanese being cut off from the main bodies and also from receiving supplies and reinforcements. It would be too soon to assume that the development spells a major disaster for the Japanese armies and, despite Chinese claims of success, the fact, that the Japanese are excellent organisers should not be overlooked. On the other hand, Tokio has for some time been concerned at the length of time taken in bringing the military operations to a conclusion. The whole of the economy of Japan is now on a war basis, and the expense of running the campaign in China is pressing heavily upon all sections of the Japanese people. Naturally enough, there is widespread discontent in consequence, and it is not surprising that the Government has taken extreme action against the democratic parties represented in the Diet. Now it has gone a step further and notified the trades unions that May Day celebrations will not be permitted as being not in accord with the National Constitution of the community. This restrictive activity on the part of the Government will only add to the irksomeness with which the people are bearing their present burdens. The war enthusiasm which was generated in July last has now exhausted itself. Soon will come that lassitude which is the natural result of overexertion.

Further, the large manufacturers who have hitherto benefited. by the armaments orders, are now beginning to wonder whether their gains will remain with them. The budgetary position is very unsatisfactory, the demands of the taxgatherer grows, and the currency situation is not improving, but deteriorating. Japan has again been forced into the market for wool in order to meet the demands of next winter’s campaign, which now appears to be an inevitability, for the Chinese appear to be able to keep the field despite the loss of towns and cities. The economy of China is not a centralised economy and many of the rural communities are independent of outside assistance in the ordinary way. Lack of communication with the outside world or with the coast of China, therefore, does not affect them very much, and at the same time these rural communities are able to make a contribution toward the support of the troops in this district. It is for this reason that the Japanese are so assiduous in destroying crops and villages which have no immediate military objective. The issue in China will, therefore, be one to be decided more by the capacity of China to hold out than anything else, for Japan must secure a quick result if she is to retain the fruits of her invasion.