TERMS OF PEACE

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20389, 4 January 1938, Page 6

TERMS OF PEACE

The report that, through the German Ambassador, the Japanese had offered terms of peace to China came from Tokio by way of Moscow, and it is not clear whether the details also came from that source or were from Tokio itself. An examination would seem to indicate that the report was not of Japanese origin. It mentioned recognition of Japanese annexation of Manchukuo. The Japanese have never made that claim. They have always held that Manchukuo was an independent State created by the people of the country on their own initiative. Two countries, Italy and San Salvador, have recognised the independence of Manchukuo, and annexation by Japan does not arise. The general tenor of the alleged terms calls to mind the famous Tanaka policy issued during the Great War, and would involve the complete economic subjugation of China. The Japanese, ever since hostilities commenced, have stressed the fact that they had no territorial designs on China, but it was taken for granted that the plan adopted provided for the creation of small puppet States,* carved out of the Republic. Such States would have limited resources and would be wholly under the influence of Tokio. Two nominally independent States are mentioned, one in Inner Mongolia and the other North China. The former, it has been said, is regarded by the Japanese as necessary to cut Soviet territory off from China and a puppet Government, headed by a Mongolian prince, has already been formed. Outer Mongolia lies within the sphere of Russian influence and the promise of armed assistance has been renewed from Moscow. The best informed writers on Far Eastern problems have predicted that Japan would adopt a policy of divide and rule. The intention, it is said, is to reduce China so that a national movement capable of confronting the Japanese forces would be impossible. A few years ago the Japanese complained that there was no central authority in China that could negotiate for the nation. To-day they are endeavouring to crush a central Government that could speak for China in a way not possible for any other Administration, but it would not say or do the things Japan required. In view of the statements emanating from Tokio about a long campaign the time seems hardly opportune for the publication of peace terms. There may have been some tentative inquiry made through diplomatic channels, but conditions such as those mentioned would have to be imposed. They would not be accepted voluntarily.