CHINA AND WORLD PEACE.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 278, 25 May 1917, Page 4 (Supplement)

CHINA AND WORLD PEACE.

Tho decision oi' tho Cabinet of Unina in favour of an immediate declaration of war with Germany, as a protest against her ruthless submarine warfare, may perhaps not have much effect en the actual conduct of the war, but her attitude will have an important bearing upon the agreement of the nations for a permanent peace. Tins was recognised some weeks ago, when her decision to sever diplomatic relations was announced. "Certainly," said one writer, "no plan for world-wide peace is likely to be successful which leaves out of it nearly one-fourth of the world's population. While China is not an armed State, in the matter of area and population she is a great nation. Her co-operation in the plan to establish lasting pcaeois necessary." It would s«m that China's behaviour during tho present struggle is being governed largely by the part played by the United States. That country having undertaken military and naval operations, China has cast in her lot with the Allies, ;nd will now, it may bo assumed, assist tnein to the extent of her power. Had trie United States continued its policy of armed neutrality. China might have decided not to go further than to cease intercourse with Germany. In sumo respects China is not nearly so hclples.; as she is pictured in the publie mind. While her industries are unorganised and her navy is not up-to-date, China lias a well-disciplined army of 800,000 men. This nucleus of an army represents tho work ol the late President, Yuan Slnh-Kai. This army is reputed to be made up of strong, capable men, who may be expected to fight well if properly equipped and well officered. As an ally, China easily could become invaluable. The country is a huge reservoir of man-power, and her riches in raw material would make the country an inexhaustible storehouse of war material. China's original deer-ion was influenced largely I y the* disclosure of German intrigue. German propaganda had the Chinese mind muddled, and during the early part of the war her impression of the Allies was not favourable. Since then important changes have occurred, and China has been able to see clearly. The rupture between the I'nited States and Germany has given her an opportunity to show wher... she stands. China's delegates put their names to Tho Hague Convention, and she feels now that she cannot agree to trampling them underfoot. If one may judge from the statements of the Chinese press, the moral responsibility was chiefly instrumental in impelling the Chinese Leaders to lake their present stand. Confucius taught the Chinese that "to good and not to do it is a want of courage."