The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1932. IN MANCHURIA.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 October 1932, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1932. IN MANCHURIA.

The interest shown in the Lytton report ! on Manchuria, according to a Christchurch writer proves that it is a document of immediate international importance. The mere fact that the Powers have so far refused official of the new State of Manchukuo has left Japan in a dilemma. Great Britain, France, United States, Germany, and the Soviet Union .all have important interests in Manchuria; and if they continue to deal with the Chino? 0 Government in matters concerning these interests, the position of the Manchukuo Administration will bo anomalous awl insecure. It is clear, however, fret tbs cabled summary of its report, that the Lytton Commv-'on does not think that the collapse* of th©

present regime in Manchuria and the restoration of the status, quo of 1930 would solve the problem. After pointing out that Japan has vital economic interests in Manchuria, and that they have suffered through Chinese misgovernment, the Commission recommends - that the Manchurian. -’Government must be modified “to be consistent with China’s sovereignity and'administrative integrity” and also to enable “considerable 1 autonomy.” Japan’s rights, with necessary modification.':, should be recognised, the control of the territory should be vested in some international force, and the final settlement should be guaranteed by new treaties, signed by all the Powers concerned. To this end the League Council is advised to invite China and Japan to discuss a solution and afterwards to summon a Sino-Japanese Advisory Council which, with representatives of the local population, is to discuss a Constitution for Manchuria. The Commission seems to envisage the creation in Manchuria of a system of government resembling that existing in the International Settlement in Shanghai.' That the solution lies along these lines has already been suggested; but the immediate question is whether it is possible for Japanese, Chinese, and Mjanchurian representatives to meet in friendly discussion. The reasons which prevented the Chinese and Japanese Governments from arriving at a basis of negotiation during the Shanghai affair have been strengthened rather than weakened by recent events. It is reasonable to hone, however, that ns: the issues have been so clearly stated the Powers will be more active than they were a few months ago in seeking a means of settlement. Moreover, the Commission speaks a warning which, if they ale wise, they will not neglect. Vast and intricate as it is, the Manchurian problem is only a part of the problem raised ‘by the political instability of China as a whole. Unless China is helped by the Powers acting together to establish effective government within her borders, she will some day be the scene of the most destructive conflict of national ambitions the world lias yet seen.