Manchuria

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 5, 14 August 1931, Page 7

Manchuria

\WfUCH informative data was provided by Mr. George Lawn, M.A.. of Canterbury College, in ‘his international talk given from 3YA. Manchuria has pro- . vided the natural outlet for hundreds of thousands of Chinese who have fled from drought, famine and excessive taxations in their own native "States. It is’ an area capable of enormous production, besides being rich in natural forest and mineral resources. Unfortunately the international political atmosphere surrounding Manchuria is charged with. electricity by reason of the Japanese interests therein. By defeating Russia, Japan gained Xatrol of the Southern Manchurian Railway and, on May 25, 1915, gained further territorial concessions from China. The anniversary of this day is now held as a day of national humiliation by the Chinese, who are insistent that the grants were obtained under false pretences and by unfair means. They claim the evacuation by the Japanese of all interest in Manchuria. From the point of view of population, Japan is not vitally interested; her people prefer to stay at home, and there are only about 200.000 Japanese in Manchuria. But her financial interest is enormous. Moreover, Manchuria provides for Japan. a natural outlet -for much of the. tremendous output of her own factories and manufacturing plants, and, in consequence, she is loth to make any concessions back to China. When it is realised that. Russia has never forgott@® what she lost, it will be understoo€é that the position calls for tolerance, patience and wise.statesmanship of an unprecedented high order. One false step may result in a flare up which, fanned by international intrigue and alliatices, might plunge the civilised world back into another world war.