The Daily News. FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 1919. CHINA AND JAPAN.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 August 1919, Page 4

The Daily News. FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 1919. CHINA AND JAPAN.

The recent cabled message from Pekin to the effect that China is reduced politically to a state of suspended animation pending the settlement of the Shantung question, gives emphasis to the peculiarly evasive tactics Japan has been employing towards this question. Apparently, the latest Japanese proposals, although supported by President Wilson, are wholly unacceptable, besides evading the crux of the situation. China contends—and with reasoja—that it is

impossible to say that her sovereignty is unimpaired while the Japanese control the harbor and railway termini, and are permitted to extend lines into -the interior, thus monopolising trade. Under the reeent peace treaty Japan was given all rights in the territory previously enjoyed by Germany, and though Japan has given certain undertakings to China, and declared her intention to return to China the leased portion of Tsingtau, while reserving to herself only the economic concessions she secured from China in 1915, she studiously avoids taking any definite action, the consequences being that her good faith has become open to suspicion. If she would only lay her cards on the table and openly state her desires and intentions, it would probably facilitate a settlement. It seems to be considered that Japan is seeking payable fields of penetration for her commerce, and while her war services entitle her legitimate aims at expansion to favorable consideration within reasonable limits, there are manifest objections to her dominating China, Manchuria and Mongolia at the expense of the Chinese. Her insistence upon the exclusion of Manchuria and Mongolia from the consortium whereby Britain, America and France assume the direction of Chinese finances, indicates the trend of her aspirations, and opens up the possibility of a grave trouble arising in the Far East ere long, It is quite probable that the delegates at the Peace Conference were not particularly keen in regard to the settlement of matters between China and Japan, being influenced by the fact that it was more or less a side issue, and being actuated by the desire not to offend Japan by evincing any suspicion of her having ulterior designs. In the light of subsequent events it can be seen that the Conference would have acted more wisely by definitely dealing with this question instead of merely relying on Japanese promises. The situation, however, must be taken into consideration in accordance with recent developments. Japanese troops continue in occupation, and the Government is irritatingly evasive, nor is the reason far to seek. The immense interests held by Japan in China are gradually impelling her to adopt a policy of domination, but. the Entente Powers have a duty towards China as well as being under obligations to Japan. Apparently, Japan proposes to possess and control the whole of the commercial and revenue-producing area of Tsingtau, including the customs-house, harbor, wharf and railway. By the greatest stretch, of imagination such a policy could hardly be termed "restoration," the more fitting term being annexation, and this view is supported by the influx to Tsing-tau of something like eighteen thousand Japanese, the erection of substantial buildings by Japanese firms and the mono-

polising of the trade of the port, where Japan's trade in four years increased by over fifty per cent. Great as is the importance of the port, that is only one aspect of the trouble. The whole district of Shantung is involved, for the Japanese have taken possession of the German built railway that serves the province and connects with the main Chinese system. Moreover Japanese action does not affect China alone, but is capable of seriously disturbing British and other trade. A policy of drift may easily lead to grave troubles in the future. At the same time it would be criminal folly to precipitate a crisis. It has to be recognised that Japan must expand, but it is the duty of the League of Nations or the Supreme Council to induce her to make a definite statement of policy, and if that policy conflicts with the interests of the countries most concerned, every effort should be made to arrive at a satisfactory settlement, and to avoid German intrigue coming into play. The arrival at a compromise by Italy over the Piume question shows what can be done in the way of settling difficulties that seemed almost insuperable, and if Japan has no ulterior designs to conceal, there should be every reason why an amicable agreement should be made that would be satisfactory to all the parties concerned.