Jan, The tale of Shanhaikuan has two versions, at least. The Japanese tell it as one of Chinese provocation—has not the Young Marshal sent three brigades into Jehol lately to increnge the garrison of that province?—and the Chinese tell it in terms of Japanese pretexts. This is the result of the inability of either nation to find a practical way of approach, the one to the other. The desire for a peaceful solution has been frequently vole: by Chines Japanese delegates at Geneva. The motion of the lips has been accompanied by no gesture suggesting that the rest of the body is in tune with the sentiments so expressed, The whole performance is a trifle hackneyed. Once again there is a definite and accepted fact that operation on a substantial scale have been started by local Japanese commanders. Once again it is gested that these operations are intended less to impress the Chinese than to commit the Government at Tokyo to a "forward" policy for the benefit, of Manchukuo. Once again Japanese—semi-official news agencies reveal the terms of a fierce ultimatum, issued this time to the Young Marshal. Th Anice again official spokesmen of the Japanese Legation deny knowledge of the issue of more than a "warning" note, its text unspecified, It is quite possible that, for' the moment, the alarums and excursions may end with the Japanese occupation of Shanhaikuan and the annexation of Jehol will be postponed. until Spring sheds a kindlier climatic influence on the scone.. But the drama is clearly that of the rabbit and the boa constrictor: if the rabbit, fascinated by the h Serpent's gaze, remains stationary like a good little animal he may be assimilated in due course. If he makes the slightest move, like a bag little animal, he may be swiftly enwrapped and suitably devoured, Logically, of course, the absorption of Jehol by Manchukuo is necessary to the completion of a neat geographical essay in state-building, although it may be more probable that Japanese intentions lean towards eventual inclusion of Jehol in a new Mongol buffer province based on Barga. At.the same time Jehol is ruled by a Chinese Governor who is a close associate of Marshal Chang Hsueh-liang. He may be ready to throw in his lot b With the Japanese; recent events suggest doubts on that point. And, however convenient it may be to the Japanese to have Jehol included in their schemes for the benefit of the people north of the Great Wall, it cannot he denied that the proximity of Jehol to Peking gives to. the whole issue far-reaching implica tions.
It is well for the world outside to observe the remarkable development of this Sino-Japanese problem from Septem: der 18, 1931. Then there was list the question of making a local demonstration by the Japanese garrison, in order_ to show the Japanese people that the Shidehara policy could not be tolerated. Explanations followed fo the effect that th Japanese Army was only restoring order in the railway zone; it had reluctantly to proceed outside that zone but the excursion was purely temporary. Later Japanese spokesmen had'to protest that there was no intention to cross from the south to north side of the Chin Eastern Railway. Tt became necessary too to deny plans for the Japanese. Even in the matter of annexation they have been able only to preserve. the letter of their assurances intact by adoption of a camouflage which has the distinction of deceiving no-one, except, pos-ably, the trusting soul of the Daily Mail." Now the oppress sion of disappointment lies so heavy on the Japanese Government that its spokesmen in Peking have solemnly to make mention of possible Japanese faction in China south of the Great Wall and "widespread consequences" in that regard. No doubt Mr. Matsuoka, in Geneva, will do full justice to this proof of Chinese delinquency which has lured the japanese forces out of the Manchurian railway zone to engagement in enterprises so far afield.
the same time consideration fof the possibility. of limiting Japanese anxieties seems to be more clearly indicated. Such a disorganised state as China must be_ indeed disorganised and obviously inherently wicked when it throws on an amiable neighbour—commitments apparently limitless in extent. The Lytton Report, if that docu: ment may be tactfully mention-fed here, drew attention to the fact that the present political instability in China was an obstacle to Sino-Japanese friend-and the maintenance of peace in the Far East ("a matter of international Is There seems to be movements which tend to place weaker nation in such a position that, out of sheer self. respect, has to persist in the folly of a hopeless resistance? To these questions the answers jean scarcely be in doubt. The Problem, as seems to this journal, that of exorcising, on both sides, the spirit of rancour jand_ suspicion, In approaching it the friends of the two countries have a right to inquire whether there is. any limitation to the present policy of Japan. On that seems to hang the whole issue for solution,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.