The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 1932. THE EAR EAST.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 March 1932, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 1932. THE EAR EAST.

Tnk situation in tlie Fur East, so iiiiu'li in mind or late, wlien Japan and China were at- clone grips, has taken a more quiet turn, but none the less the position is still pregnant with po sibilities. In .Southern China, Japan appears to have had enough of stem warfare, and suddenly agreed to peace overtures to meet the wishes ol tne League of Nations. Hence the negotiations lor peace are now proceeding, and on the whole there is an amicable outlook. Japan ha.s been withdrawing troops, but China i ,s still standing to arms, so that it would appear Japan has thought <1 i-cretin 11 the better port of valour in that area. In Northern China events are happening on more peaceful lines (at present) Imt none the less may be grave in tlmir consequences. Lately, thoie was a report that a new Independent Ml ate alul been created in Manchuria, and none other than the ex-Eniperor of Chinn had been appointed the ruler. The former Emperor has been living in retirement ,-ince his deposition. The aelion is believed to be proJapanese. That is, Japan is wishful to consolidate her position in Manchuria, and the moment of disorder in the ..south is seized for the necessary action. It may lie that the situation a| Shanghai was “created with mi ulterior object, lie that as it may. it was frankly s'a ted the new State is pro-Japanese, and that the inauguiatjo„ of the now Tide is in the hands ( vf Japan so. The capital 'selected Changchun, is at the terminuc of the Japanese railway connecting with IVT, Arthur, a fact also carrying signifieance. Changchun is also the jumping off .station to link up with the railway to Harbin into Russian tern-

torv, and likewise links up with Hie Korean railway system. The point is pivotal and of great advantage to the .Japanese for transport puipo.-cs, and give), to Japan a very important standing towards the future control of Maudlin in. It is at this juncture, however, when China appeals to Russia. for help., and there is the suggestion of an a bianco between the cwo nation,;. Russia may, therefore, score to marshal forces against Japan as an invader of Russian territory, ' and China acting similarly on the other front, seek to attack Japanese forces on two fronts. There is the promise of more work for the League or Nations if those great military forces are to he held at bay. Russia, has a new campaign to popularise military training at Home, and that development suggcl.it.si great possibilities. Chinese troop,; have proved their quality before, and equipped and led, can provide a wonderful army. If these force's combine against Japan a very sanguinary conflict could be expected. But before that transpires, the nations will be busy counting the coed. The little war just simmering down in Southern China, should be an object lesson not soon forgotten, and Russia looking back at past traditions, and the cost and difficulty of fighting a. real war so far from the homo base, will also take count of probabilities, and be prepared to study the situation through diplomatic rather than military channels. The general situation , nevertheless, is far from satisfactory, There are all the elements for a .serious conflict, nncl diplomacy often miscarries with the readily warlike. Doubtless, tlu> League of Nations will have the position fully explored and will do all In its power to avoid a critical outbreak such na is possible in this matter,