The China White Paper 1949 (VI)

In the early 1930s, it was obvious that Japan was implementing an expansion policy in Manchuria. In response, the US began to adopt a policy of non-recognition of territorial changes achieved by the use of military force by a nation. Such a decision was made known to Japan on January 7, 1932, four months after Japan occupied Manchuria by force.1 The American reaffirmed its sympathy with Chinese nationalism, and used the Nine-Power Treaty to support their diplomatic decisions. US Secretary of State Stimson stated that "this Treaty represents . . . international policy intended, on the one hand, to assure to all of the contracting parties their rights and interest in and with regard to China, and on the other hand, to assure to the people of China fullest opportunity to develop without molestation their sovereignty and independence according to the modern and enlightened standards believed to maintain among the peoples of this earth."2 According to the White Paper, this non-recognition principle remained the policy of the US on many occasions up the the moment when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.3 In the 1930s, conflict in viewpoints between Japan and the US were often seen. For example, on April 17, 1934 when Japanese Foreign Office announced its special status in China and made a statement to proclaim its special responsibilities in East Asia, and also its political guardianship over China, the American rebuked it right away, although in carefully worded notes.4 In late 1935 when Japan tried to convert China's five northern provinces of Hopei, Chahar, Suiyuan, Shansi and Shangtung into an autonomous area, the American issued a statement on December 5, 1935 to express concern over the matter.5 (to be continued)

Notes:
1.United States, Department of State. The China White Paper-August 1949. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press, 1967, page 13.
2. Ibid., page 14
3. Ibid., page 15
4. Ibid., page 15
5. Ibid., page 17