Wairarapa Daily Times [Established Over 50 Years.] THURSDAY, 19th JANUARY, 1933. CHINA AND JAPAN.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 19 January 1933, Page 4

Wairarapa Daily Times [Established Over 50 Years.] THURSDAY, 19th JANUARY, 1933. CHINA AND JAPAN.

The year 1933 will probably bring, for better or w'orse, some definite decision in the Far East. The anomalous situation that exists cannot endure much longer. China and Japan have been engaged in desultory fighting for sixteen months, but have not admitted that they are at war. Their relations are officially designated as a “state of un-peace.’' The League has temporised, but a day must soon come when its authority will be put to the test. The Powers, with the exception of Japan, the creator and patron of Manchukuo, have refrained from according recognition to the new State. Trade goes on. Manchukuo and Japan have mutual markets. Japanese police endeavour to preseiwe order beyond the zone allowed to Japan by the original treaties. But Chinese and Japanese troops are gradually drawn into closer contact. “Violation of sovereignty ’ ’ and ‘ ‘ preservation of rights” are stock phrases in the propaganda issued by either disputant. - The ensuing year will probably show whether the quarrel is to be decided by negotiations between the Powers concerned, by war, by the intervention of the League, or by passive acquiescence in accomplished facts. In December it was reported that the Chinese Government had appealed to all Chinese patriots to close their ranks so that they might resist the encroachments of the intruder. The Japanese reply seems to have been to occupy strategic positions which effectually prevent any junction of the troops from the far northern provinces with those approaching from the south. Accordingly, as it is interpreted, this movement "of Japan may be regarded as aggression or a wise precaution. The League’s Committee of nineteen, from which

Japan has discreetly withdrawn, will shortly pass a judgment to be re-submitted to the League. But whatever the verdict may be, the procedure for enforcement is vague and unsatisfactory. As long as determination reigns in Japan and confusion in China, pious resolutions will be of no avail. Should Britain and America, the tAvo Powers, apart from Japan, which have the greatest commercial interests in the Far East, put a foot doAAui and say, “Compose your dispute by peaceful methods,” something might be done. But America has frankly said that she is pre-occupied with other cares, and Britain cannot be expected always to pull the chestnuts out of the fire for everyone.