. CHINA AND JAPAN
{To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—For the past four months the rising tide of Japanese militarism has been going on unchecked in the Far East. On January 29th, after the Mayor of Shanghai had complied with all the Japanese demands, the Japanese naval authorities, without provocation, launched an aerial bombardment on the crowded quarters of Chapel (Shanghai).
In view of this shocking display of brute force, exemplified by the massacre of hundreds of civilians, the burning of thousands of homes, the complete destruction of the Com- mercial Press, one of China's standing monuments to culture and learning, this Society, along with other cultural associa- tions, feels itself justified in voicing its fear of further outrages to come unless public opinion. definitely sets its face against a recurrence.
If Japan has, as she claims to have, a " good case " against- China, it is difficult to understand why she. has so far refused China's offer to have the whole dispute settled by arbitration. The post-War system is founded on the solemn understanding —yea, on the promise to Europe's dead—that disputes, when- ever they arise, shall be settled by the rule 'Of law and not that of force. This new principle, so vital to-day if civilization is to be preserved,. is clearly being undermined. The Simi- Japanese problem is no longer a regional concern, but one which affects the welfare of the whole world. We therefore crave the support of your weighty influence towards the pre- vention of a possible repetition of the Shanghai outrage any- where in Chin" a.—I am; Sir, &c., S. TAN,
President, the Oxford Chinese
la .Pqtsfecra:Road, Pafori, Students' Society.
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