The Waikato Times MONDAY, JUNE 17, 1935. TENSION IN THE FAR EAST

Waikato Times, Volume 117, Issue 19604, 17 June 1935, Page 6

The Waikato Times MONDAY, JUNE 17, 1935. TENSION IN THE FAR EAST

Recent cable messages indicate increasing tension between China and Japan. On Saturday it xvas stated that the Chinese Minister in London had appealed to Britain to intervene as tie Nine-Power Pact, guaranteeing the integrity of China, had allege y been violated. The Minister was most insistent in his representations, but the British Foreign Office intimated that it was not prepared to act on the information it has so far received. It has since been affirmed by foreign sources that a force o Japanese has penetrated Chinese territory and encamped inside the Great Wall. . , Japan’s manoeuvrings in China had not escaped notice ° n t ® part of other interested Powers. Awkward questions have been as e in Tokyo and official disclaimers have faded to remove the general apprehension that Japan is working to establish a virtual politicofinancial hegemony in China as a counterpoise to League of Nations assistance. Vague repercussions have been observed in London and Washington, but Chinese Liberals, dejectedly scanning the international horizon, are disappointed at the lack of response from these quarters. It is evident that the position is being exploited by the Japanese military authorities. Mr Akira Ariyoski, Japanese Minister to China, has been strenuously endeavouring to foster a better feeling between the two countries. At one period he believed he had achieved a large amount of success, hut later it was stated he was “ much embittered over the Japanese Army’s frequent thwarting of his efforts to establish cordial relations with Nanking by unheralded aggressive activities and intrigues.” Mr Ariyoshi’s mild course did not please the advocates of the 11 strong policy.” They desire to dominate China, as they have Manchukuo, and mildness has no appeal to them. They have more faith in force —the mailed fist and the armed heel.

Their attitude has aroused the Chinese, who are now adopting a militaristic policy. In April General Chiang-Kai Shek ordered all male students above the elementary grades to undergo at least one year’s military training, and military fundamentals are to be taught even to primary school students along Boy Scout lines. General Ckiang expects that this will convert China into a first-class military power in one decade and provide 100,000 trained reservists annually. This shows a stupendous change in Chinese attitude; for until Japan moved into Manchukuo in 1931 and the Powers failed to ensure that treaty pledges were kept, military training was regarded with great disfavour by Chinese students; in fact, they looked upon it as a disgrace. But the compulsory training law is rapidly growing in favour. The Chinese have been forced to the conclusion that the world is ruled by force rather than by reason, and they are disposed to act accordingly. It is aim of General Chiang to make China powerful. Much has already been accomplished in the direction of building up an effective national air force and army reorganisation has been proceeding apace with the assistance of German officers, Japanese military leaders evidently recognise that unless dominance is secured in China in the immediate future, the opportunity will he lost. Hence their aggressive attitude.