It is a clear enunciation of new Americanism. The United States fought for her own freedom in the Declaration of Independence. She was willing to fight for the freedom of the peoples of the Western Hemisphere in declaring the Monroe Doctrine. In the European War she fought for the freedom and democracy of the whole world. China, if unselfishly aided and wisely guided, can revive her ancient genius and develop her vast potential resources, and will eventually take her place among the powers of the world as a strong, democratic nation. Will the United States of America, true to the new principles of her political conviction, perform her mission toward China in the consummation of this noble task? I INTRODUCTION N the foregoing chapters we have examined briefly the development of the Oriental policy of the United States. We will now consider the subtle undercurrent that directs, in a large measure, the course of that policy. When Germany violated Belgian neutrality and invaded France in 1914, the whole world raised its voice in indignant protest. But when Japan absorbed Korea in breach of faith and covenant to the latter Power, and in spite of her solemn declarations to the world at the beginning of the Russo-Japanese War that she was fighting Russia to safeguard the political independence and territorial integrity of Korea, the Powers of the West apparently connived at the perpetration of the crime. The national crimes that Japan committed during the course of her imperial expansion on the Asiatic mainland are not less horrible nor less excusable than those committed by Germany in Belgium and in northern France. Yet Japan has received practically no censure for what she has done in Korea and China; on the contrary, she successfully maintains her position as a worthy member of the family of the democratic nations of the world. One reason for this situation lies in her marvellously complete and skillful control of publicity, a control that enables her to manipulate easily the public opinion of the Western Powers and to mould their diplomatic policies in the Orient. A study, therefore, of the nature and extent of Japan's control of publicity will throw much light upon the diplomatic relationships of the East and the West and will result in a clearer understanding of the Oriental policy of the United States. As early as the close of the Russo-Japanese War, before the destruction of Korean independence, Thomas F. Millard, the distinguished American publicist, wrote concerning Japanese activities in Korea: 66 Nothing could display greater cleverness than the manner used by Japan through the propaganda to steadily shift her ground in regard to the main propositions involved in the settlement, while at the same time remaining carefully posed in an attitude of self-sacrifice. Something of a shock will be felt in the Western world when the mask, having served its purpose, is dropped. Meanwhile, pretense is piled upon pretense, without being able, however, to conceal the undercurrent of reality." The mask has served its purpose and is "The New Far East," p. 102. |