INJUSTICES TO CHINA

Southland Times, Issue 24872, 12 October 1942, Page 4

INJUSTICES TO CHINA

Extra-Territorial Rights Of Powers WELLINGTON, October 11. “In the relations of the outside world with China there still remain certain anomalies and differentiations in treatment which are unjust to China and 1 am sure they will be removed, said the Prime Minister (the Rt- Hon. P. Fraser) today. “In particular, I refer to those rights of extra-territoriality under which for a long time past a number of foreign nations have retained certain rights in China, including the power to administer justice among their nationals in China independently of the Chinese Government and Chinese courts.” Mr Fraser said China’s epic resistance to wanton aggression by Japan had been an inspiration to the world and had. established once and for all the right of China to be regarded as an equal in all things of the other United Nations and unquestionably entitled her to the fullest and most complete rights ot sovereignty in her own territory. Anything less would be unfair. “No one can exaggerate the debt we owe to China and we in New Zealand are determined to do all that lies in our power to. repay that debt, continued the Prime Minister. “I know this feeling is shared by all the Allied Nations and I believe steps will be | taken which will, I hope, at a very early date remove the last vestiges of any encroachment on China’s sovereignty. As far as New Zealand is concerned, I take the opportunity on China’s National Day of affirming that we desire no rights in China other than those freely accorded us by the Chinese Government under the distinguished lead of Marshal Chiang Kai-shek as equal partners in the great enterprise in which we join together with all the United Nations to preserve freedom and justice in the Pacific and throughout the world. For our part we are in agreement with any steps to be taken by the United Nations concerned to renounce all rights in China, howsoever they were acquired, which are not in accordance with these principles and the full status of the Republic as a free sovereign state.” TRIBUTES PAID TO RESISTANCE (P.A.) WELLINGTON, October 11. A notable feature of the celebration of the 31st anniversary of the Chinese Republic by the Chinese community of Wellington on Saturday was the presence of the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P._ Fraser) and Mrs Fraser. This is the first occasion on which a New Zealand Prime Minister has attended the annual ceremony. Between 300 and 400 Chinese nationals were at the ceremony. The chairman, Mr William Kwok, recalled that among all members of the League of Nations in 1931 New Zealand had been the only one that advocated resistance to the first Japanese aggression against China. Had that resistance been offered then, said Mr Kwok, there might not have been a world war in 1939. He hoped that the presence of the Prime Minister and Mrs Fraser was a sign of permanent co-operation and friendship of the two nations. The Chinese Consul-General, Mr Wang Feng, said that apart from its significance as China’s National Day, October 10 this yfear had a special significance in marking the opening of a new era in the relations between New Zealand and China. In ,a recent telegram to Mr Fraser, Marshal Chiang Kai-shek had stated it was his firm belief that the friendly ties which bound the two countries would be one of the most important factors in bringing peace and prosperity to the Pacific. Mr Fraser said the principles Dr Sun Yat Sen put forth not only moved the millions of China to fight for their freedom, but also gave a charter to mankind. That those principles were coming to fruition was due to the Chinese people and in part also to the great Generalissimo, Marshal Chiang Kai-shek and Madame Chiang Kaishek. China’s soul was free and before long her country would be free too. INVERCARGILL PICNIC China’s national day on Saturday was observed in Invercargill by the Chinese community holding a picnic at Thomson’s Bush, there being a full attendance of those living in the city. In spite of rain during the afternoon the party, numbering about 20 adults and 15 children, spent an enjoyable day. Bunting was flown from public buildings in honour of the anniversary.