JAPANESE EXPANSIONISM , [To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] SIR, — We
are asked by Mr. W. H. Murray Walton in his letter (The Spectator, April 16th) " How is Japan to solve her population problem by peaceful means if she is not allowed to expand economically southward and westward and every other way she can ? " (By " peaceful means " is good !) His words have a most remarkable resemblance to what appeared some time ago in the violently anti-British and the intensely Nationalist Kokumin. We read : " Japan is fully entitled to expand southward, westward, northward and every other way she can in pursuit of markets for her products. It is British diplomacy that stands in our way. That diplomacy is notorious for its treachery. Great Britain's true intention is to attack this country with the United States and the Soviet Union as its tools. Great Britain may be called a disturber of China's piece and order, and a breaker of the peace throughout the Orient. If Great Britain continues to disturb China and attempts to check Japan's advance in that and other countries we should regard her as our enemy."
Mr. Chamberlin in his article " Japan's Southward Thrust," very properly said : " There is a marked similarity of outlook between Japan and Germany." Mr. Walton's talk of " Japan's ceaseless effort to obtain fresh markets to solve her popu- lation problem by peaceful means" is strongly reminiscent of similar views frequently expressed by Hitler and Mussolini. I have some recollection of a short and " peaceful " campaign for " fresh markets " in Manchuria and Abyssinia. An interesting effort to " love thy neighbour " with a mailed fist.
It is significant that The Rev. Mr. Walton is apparently in full agreement with the views expressed by the Kokumin.—
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