Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-05-19
A Helping Hand

( a as many Americans forget but japanese
forgets.
Roughly west of the main Japanese island of Honshu
and scant 100 miles offshore the Asatic mainland
peninsula of Korea with approximately equal to
that of North and South Carolina combined and popula
ton of % millions.
Korea is part of the japanese empire, and no mis-
take should be made about that.
1t is rich in minerals has substantial agricultural
resources.
1t has provided the Japanese with formidable naval
bases and the highway which invading Japa
nese armies marched into Manchuria and beyond
Korea is useful to Japan and is completely held by
Japan.
But it is not Japanese.
Koreans unrelated to the japanese in racial char
acteristics language, customs and culture
Moreover they hate the Japanese.
Until 1905 and for more than 1000 years before that
- year. Korea was an independent nation with a very
old civilization often considerably advanced beyond
temporary civilization.
But in 1905 Japan had become a military power
flushed with victory Russia, and Korea had de-
lenses whatever the Japanese seized and absorbed the
entire peninsula and enslaved the people.
Ever since then Korea has struggled in its bonds,
and in 1919 had futile revolution 1t maintained
government
city, and since in Chungkng
Americans should reflect upon these facts with
tain things mind We have not ordinarily thought about
Japan being composed in important part of oppressed
minorties praying for delivery from oppressor and
ripe for revolution.
But here is vast land densely populated and basil
ca rch ready and spelling to separate itself from Japan
proper like tadpoles tail
1t is closer to the heart of Japan by many bomber
miles than tenuously held Vladivostok
IN THE right circumstances it could be easy road
INTO Japan as it has been a highway of invasion
for Japan.
Potentially at least it is Japans greatest and sorest
and most worrisome point of vulnerabilty.
Any plans for the future-and imminent, let us hope
downfall of Japan might reasonably take account of
these facts.
For that purpose the American government may do
well to give than casual attention to the current
appeal by the provisional of Korea for recog
milton by the United States.
The Koreans believe American recognition would give
them face with their neighbors and induce higher
morale in themselves
They ideally situated for enterprises of sabotage
Immediately for fifth column activities aggressive
and effective scale and for welcoming and helpful role
in behalf of any deiverer.
They not without military stamina, having three
divisions serving with the Korean national army in China
IN SUBSTANCE. Korea is a ready-made sword waiting
to be plunged into Japan and America should
look any weapons to be used against Japan which may
have effective future uses although unavailable the
moment.
What Korea mainly represents to us now is that
Japan not united at home she preends be and
have commonly supposed her to be- and is thus
formidable Any nation having nearly quarter of its total
population mbued with implacabe hate for its rulers is
afflicted with dire maignancy, and that is what Korea
represents to Japan.
And incidentally, it is the experience of Korea a
laboratory for the development of the japanese new
order for Asia which enlightens all Asatic peoples
garding what awaits them in of crushing cruelty
if Japan prevails in this
The United Nations should not ignore the hand which
Korea holds out to them beseechngy of not
entirely heplessy.