The China White Paper 1949(VII)

Following the clash between Japanese and Chinese troops on July 7, 1937, the US issued a statement to express its concern. On August 10 it informally approached Japan to offer to settle the Sino-Japanese dispute. But Japan showed no interest to this offer.1 On October 5, 1937, US President Roosevelt indirectly condemned Japan for waging a war against China in his "Quarantine" speech. His likened Japan's military invasion in China to spreading "epidemic of world lawlessness". The US Department of State also issued a statement to reiterate its opinion that "the action of Japan in China is inconsistent with the principles which should govern the relationships between nations and is contrary to the provisions of the Nine-Power Treaty of February 8, 1922, regarding principles and policies to be followed in matters concerning China, and to those of the Kellogg-Briand Pact of August 27, 1928."2 Since the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese war in 1937, the US continued to challenge Japan's action in China, for example, Japan's interference with China Maritime Customs Administration, and also with the Chinese Salt Administration, both were revenue source for China to repay foreign loans, including the American loans.3 In March 1940 when Japan set up a Chinese central regime at Nanking under Wang Ching-wei, the US announced that it would only recognize the National Government of the Republic of China under the leadership of Chiang Kai-shek in Chungking. Indeed, for the purpose of supporting China against Japan, the US began building up its economic pressure over Japan. On July 26, 1939, the US notified Japan the intention of terminating the Treaty of Commerce and Navigation signed in January 1911 between US and Japan. 4 The effect of this decision was to restrict the shipment of oil, scarp iron, machinery, machine tools, and other war related material to Japan. In July 1941, the US even froze Japanese assets in America. The US also began to allow Americans to participate in Chinese armed forces, a military mission was to China, and China was eligible for lend-lease assistance from the American as from May, 1941.5 (to be continued)

Notes:
1.United States, Department of State. The China White Paper-August 1949. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press, 1967, page 19.
2. Ibid., page 19.
3. Ibid., page 23.
4. Ibid., page 24.
5. Ibid., page 25.