In another column of today's issue will be found examples of the type of anti-British propaganda to which reference has already been made, these particular examples being of more than usual interest because they appeared in a Japanese-owned Chinese language paper. Generally speaking the anti-British, and to some extent also anti foreign propaganda of which note has been taken latterly may be divided into three sections, that conducted in Chinese-owned papers under the direct inspiration of the Nanking "provisional government," that appearing in Japanese-owned Chinese language newspapers such as the examples given today, the third, which made a recent appearance, being the clumsy attempt on the part of persons unknown to imitate Communist propaganda against any nation which is alleged to be assisting China in her resistance against the Japanese ' invasion. Chungking Communist headquarters have denied responsibility for the latest specimen of the third, and there is a certain amount of internal evidence to be found in that document to suggest that it is the work of a party, which fancies it is able to spread such propaganda by printing it in the language of the nation against which it is chiefly levelled, instead of in a language calculated to influence the people it is most desired to reach, viz., the Chinese themselves If whoever is responsible is doing this with the idea of attempting to make the blood of the foreigner curdle with apprehension they are manifestly wide off the mark. If it is done with the purpose of letting them know what sort of evil is being propagated it is a work of supererogation, foreign circles are already perfectly well aware of what is going on. As an example of misapplied energy this particular effort is outstanding. it most certainly does not emanate from the Chungking Government,—it would be against its own policy to embark upon such a programme,—it just as obviously does not come from the Communist Headquarters which are in complete sympathy with the main object of Generalissimo Chiang Kaishek, and the result is that those most keenly interested are left with but two guesses as to the real originators, with even chance: of one or other being correct If to the minds of most people that brings responsibility rather closer home than Chungking it will not be surprising. No undue alarm need be felt over the scurrility of the Japanese-owned Chinese newspaper from which today's examples have been extracted.
By reason of their very vehemence they are likely to defeat themselves, for those Chinese who can read have already had years of knowledge of the excellent work which has been iene for China by the missionaries which are so evilly attack while those who cannot read, and can only learn about it by word of mouth are as equally informed of the better side of foreign activities in China Will that they desired to be included in the German bloc, without any proof of material threats and the like, the anti-aggression pact Ould not become operative. It is only when nations, threa " tary force, are prepared to defend their r integrity that Mr. Chamberlain's scheme and the British guaran: tees come into force, for obviously it would be futile to to defend a nation against a change which it hi y welcomed in the course of negotiate agreement, by Poland, if out, to effect some h comes compro an demands with over th regard pathway across the to Danzig and the corridor. duress ud can complain and against wh e will offer resistance, somethin; finitely does not come within the purview of the British guarantees. It is unlikely that Germany will endeavour to use force-politics against Poland. To do so would te to invite the outbreak of a general con-flag ration, and it is even now by no means clear that Germany desires any such thing. Such a peaceful resolving of Polish-German dif-culties, therefore, should it come about, may be welcomed as the first amelioration of conditions brought about by the recent display of part of the dei ocracies under of Mr. CI amberlain. No one believes ut bourn at pres aries are permanent, but if changes are to be brought about with n internation; law, and by means of peaceful negotiation, the first important step will be taken towards again reinstating e rule of law which ha conspicuous for its absence thes past Ratepayers in Council The annual meeting of ratepayers of the International Settlement of Shanghai was held yesterday afternoon when ratepayers, for the only time M^ the year, had an opportunity of meeting their Councillors face to face and passing judgment on their past efforts and their future proposals. Fully aware of the difficulties facing the Municipal Council in regard to finances which resulted in the decision to pro pose an increase of two per cent. in the rates effective from Octo 1, the agenda, as previously published, did not indicate any great controversial issues, but as Shangh ratepayers are as vigorous a body s anywhere in the world there was lengthy cussion and the meeting was prolonged e complete report in the Municipal Gazette 1 not be able to ratepayers until tomorre On the however, the meeting passed sat ily, routine matters being reduced to a minimum and ample time was devoted to the expression of views on various municipal topics. In his two speeches as Chairman of the Council, Mr. C. S. Franklin fulfilled the duties of his office a li's chie; speaker in an admirable manner. He described the difficult y r throu he Settlement ad passed, m: ug special refer o terrorist sassination—a "crime which, accomplished by health "ochery cannot always be preven ed or eradicated." He defended the position of the Municipal police in this connection an pointed out the Council's willingness to ce operate with the Japanese. He mentioned the Council's decision in regard to the adjustment of staff salaries ard paused, as a public tribute to t o of the Council's w liiest
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.