The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1937-12-17
MILITARISTS VERSUS CIVIL AUTHOR
ITY IN JAPAN


Understanding of the situation in the
Japanese-C Chinese war which has resulted
in attacks on foreigners may be clarified
# one knows the conditions existing IN ia
pan and with reference TO the Japanese
army in China.
Information obtainable and known to
the outside world leads inevitably TO the
conclusion that the civil government oil
Japan has little control over the army. The
most powerful force in the nation IS COM
posed of the army and militarists. That
the civil government stands IN fear OF TINS
military machine is known to other ma
tons The situation in a large measure as
to conditions in the warfare in China IS
that, while the civil government may have
given formal approval to the invasion OF
China and backs the army in this eXpedi-
ton, it is not strong enough to cOntfol
military action on the war front.
The matter sums up to this: The civil
government of Japan would protect the
rights of foreigners and the lives of their
citizens i'm the war zone. That government
realizes that the most dangerous develop
meHt which could happen to Japan would
bed serious difficulties with the United
States. England, and other countries which
will certainly unite in the attempt to pro-
teet the world from the rampaging OF this
pagan military mad-dog when conditions
have become uncomfortable for those nations
opposing the aims of Japan.
On the other hand, the Japanese army
is running loose and running wild in China.
Il feels little restraint or control from the
civil government back home. The result is
that insane militarists in the war zone are
guilty of such action as destruction Of the
lives and property of foreigners and at
tackS on the flags of the United States,
England and other nations.
The actual situation which these nations
face in China in their contacts and con-
flicts with the Japs is that of an uncon-
trolled military machine engaged in raw
aging China. This militarist organization
has no regard for principles or rights which
civilized, free nations regard as sacred and
fundamental. Where the nationals or prop
erty of other governments are found i'll the
path of the Jap war machine both prop
erty and citizens are wiped out.
Now, the civil government back in ia
pan may not approve of the course of the
army in China. It may have understand
ing of the folly of this course, which the
ARMY leaders either do not understand or
ignore, but the civil government does not
have sufficient control over the army to
prevent the army's course or to give any
guarantee of protection to the interests
and people Of other nations.
The whole thing adds up to this: Under
such conditions what are the promises and
guarantees of the Japanese government
worth? War-mad armies in China are !
law unto themselves. The Japanese gov
eminent may apologize and apologize and
pile promise upon promise, but if it cannot
control the army or punish Jap militarists
for their inhuman conduct in dealing with
the people of other nations, what are the
apologies and promises worth?
Discussing the attack by the Japs on
ships of the United States and the wound
ing and Staying of citizens of this country,
Dorothy Thompson makes some points
which may be considered in measuring this
situation. We quote from her article in
The Greensboro News:
sOne is forced to draw few conclusions from
this incident. 1t would appear that the civilian
government of Japan is without authority. There
is no connection between its diplomatic policy and
the actions of the army and navy, who really rule
japan.
THESE armed forces of JAPAN which have never