CHINA AND JAPAN [To the . Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sia,—When
considering the handling of the Sino-Japanese dispute by the League of Nations Assembly, as distinct from the Council, it must be remembered that the task of the Assembly was easier than that of the Council. When the Assembly met the situation had become more clear and the public opinion of the world definitely stronger andmore assertive. Then it must always be easier for forty-five nations to take strong action than for twelve, and any nation will take more notice of a rebuke from forty-five nations than from twelve nations. The steady movement of world opinion against Japan had been growing all the time and Japan knew it. It was largely public opinion that made the difference and expressed through an Assembly of forty-five carried more weight than when expressed through twelve. It is unlikely that exactly the same situation will ever arise again, and next time it is to be hoped that the Council of the League will be stronger and public opinion more united and quicker to express itself. The war which started in 1914 lasted four years. This last war (or rather hostilities) lasted four months. That is quite good progress, four years to four months. If a special meeting of the Assembly can reduce the duration of war from four years to four months it seems well worth while to have held it. Perhaps next time the duration of hostilities will be four weeks ! And perhaps then the Council, backed by a more enlightened public opinion, will be able to deal with it without the Assembly.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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