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“...CONTEMPORARY
MANCHURIA
A BIMONTHLY MAGAZINE
VOL. 1, No. 2 JULY, 1937
CONTENTS :
Page
Manchoukuo, Precursor of Asiatic Renaissance and
the Government by Wang-tao (Kingly Way) Based
on Theocracy........ By Prince Fumimaro Konoye... 1
An Outline of the Manchoukuo-Soviet Border
COMELOVETSY «.-ssecececc cesses sense eveseeseeeeeteseeensesennes 18
A Chronology of the North Manchuria Railway
Transfer Negotiations..........sescecercecssereessseeeecenes 42
Financial Condition of the Agricultural Population
of North Manchuria itr 1935......ccccccssscccscsescees 71
The S. M. R. Hygienic Institute ......scccscesscecsceees 82
Currency and Financial Situation in Manchuria...... 92
Milestones of Progress ......sccseccccscesssccccecrccsccseeres 126
PUBLISHED BY
THE SOUTH MANCHURIA RAILWAY COMPANY,
DAIREN, MANCHURIA...”
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“...science and
industry has been excluded by the Western Powers from
an immigration or an access to all available resources.
Such an exclusion has forced her to seek an outlet for
her energy on the Continent of Asia, whereas China
kept up her anti-Japanese campaign persistently and
tenaciously. In its zeal to wipe out every vestige of
Japanese influence in a speedy manner, the old Chang
Regime had precipitated the wanton outrages time and
again. ‘Thus, the inevitable outbreak of hostilities in
Manchuria was the foregone conclusion....”
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“...CONTEMPORARY MANCHURIA
Nevertheless, what would have become of Japan, if
she were impelled to have recourse to another orienta-
tion, in the face of the seclusion policy pursued by the
Nanking Government and the Chang Regime? Suppos-
ing she had to turn away her attention from the Con-
tinent of Asia, the consequence would be at least her
enforced expansion towards the regions already con-
sidered by the Western Powers as their spheres of in-
fluence or their colonial possessions. In plain English,
the outbreak of. Manchurian Incident should have been
deservedly welcomed by the Western Powers. Mean-
while it may be conceded that those critics who had
taken Japan to task since the year 1932 were totally
ignorant of the ultimate futility of their expostulations.
Their criticisms acted like boomerang.
Furthermore the Manchurian Incident afforded the
inhabitants of Manchoukuo an opportunity for their
rejuvenation.
The following quotations from the Proclamation of
the Independence of Manchoukuo...”
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“...entire population, who, bereft of protection,
were exposed to outrage and hunger in all parts of the
country. To leave the thirty million people of Man-
churia and Mongolia unprotected against this menace
within their borders exposed. them to atrocities, outrage
and ultimate extinction.”—(March 1, 1932).
That Marshal Chang Hsueh-liang and his entourage
were expelled from Manchuria at the outbreak of the
Manchurian Incident, and that “the citadel of misrule
and corruption was now given a thorough renovation”
seem in the eyes of the Manchoukuo inhabitants to be
the outcome of “a Heaven-sent opportunity to the people
of Manchuria to shake off their shackles” and to
liberate themselves from their corrupt political state.
Any observer well versed in the conditions of Man-
churia and capable of envisaging the actual situation of
those days would not falter to tender his profound
sympathy to the people who gazed at Heaven and heaved
sighs of relief at the happy tidings of the downfall of
Chang H...”
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“...CONTEMPORARY MANCHURIA
history, these people came to realize the welfare and
security of their existence.
Furthermore the New State of Manchoukuo is vitally
concerned with the summum bonum of the people as
well as the popular will. ‘ All persons residing in the
New State ” shall enjoy “equal treatment” without dis-
tinctions of race or rank (civil status).
Again the primary concern of the New State is to
assure peace and security to the people, with special
regard to the popular will; and there shall be “no dis-
crimination with respect to race and caste among those
people who now reside within the territory of the New
State.” Utmost efforts shall be made along the line of
administrative renovation. ‘‘ The New State will dispel
the policies adopted in the dark days of the past; it will
revise laws, enforce local autonomy; draft able men into
the service of the government; elevate the officials de-
serving promotion; encourage industry; open up the
natural resources of the country; maintain...”
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“...PRECURSOR OF ASIATIC RENAISSANCE
Manchuria” by treaty or loan agreements with various
countries prior to the establishment of the New State
“ shall be succeeded and recognized in accordance with
international usages,” or shall be met according to the
terms of those agreements.
Further it has pledged to pursue the policy of “ open
door and equal opportunity ” in the economic realm
and welcome investments by any foreign nation for the
exploitation of natural resources. In this manner, the
people of Manchoukuo have addressed themselves ener-
getically to the task of founding an ideal State, of which
they have long dreamed.
In the course of five years—a very short span of life
indeed, in the light of the everlasting continuity of a
nation—these people have already accomplished much,
on which it is superfluous to dwell in detail.
All in all, facts speak louder. Any and every critic
of Manchoukuo is advised to take glimpses of Man-
choukuo, as it is to-day. Observe, if you may, Man-
choukuo...”
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“...CONTEMPORARY MANCHURIA
figure finance of most sound nature, which enables the
New State to conduct numerous enterprises and establish-
ments. Local government of feudalistic type has been
replaced by the autonomous government of modern
form, while feudalistic militarism has been completely
wiped out and substituted by the fighting services with
modern equipment under centralized control. The uni-
fied currency system and the centralized credit system
are other outstanding examples of successive achieve-
ments, which led certain foreign observers to acclaim
“The establishment of Manchoukuo is worth while”
in view of even these two monumental exploits. Such
and other successes have unceremoniously belied the
expectations of Lord Lytton.
The rapid advance made in the building of roads
and railways is unprecedented in the history of com-
munications of the world. The progress of communi-
cations and the reign of peace afforded an opportunity
to put into execution some of the far-reaching...”
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“...CONTEMPORARY MANCHURIA
sympathy of the Japanese Empire.”
On his return to Manchoukuo after a brief visit to
Japan in the spring of 1935, when he was given hearty
welcome everywhere, the Emperor of Manchoukuo issued
another Edict, in which he voiced his true sentiments.
* H. I. M. the Emperor of Japan and We are as one in spirit.
Therefore, ye, Our subjects, bear this always in mind, and with
the same virtues and in the same spirit, cooperate with Our
friendly neighbour in establishing an everlasting foundation for
the two countries, and exalt the true virtues of the East. Thus
will the peace of the world and the welfare of mankind be
promoted.” (May 2, 1935)
In fact, Japan and Manchoukuo are linked by the bonds
of spiritual unity, which in turn facilitates their mutual
aids in economic and defense activities.
The common defense of Japan and Manchoukuo—or
in actuality the defense of Manchoukuo—was carried out
in virtue of the “ Japan-Manchoukuo Protocol”; and
such an undertaking of...”
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“...10 CONTEMPORARY MANCHURIA
Sovietization of the Outer Mongolia. Should Manchuria
be neglected and deserted as in the case of Outer
Mongolia, it would certainly become a source of colossal
calamity in the Eastern Asia.
In the midst of such conditions was born the Man-
choukuo, which proved a barrier or more properly a
break-water against the onrush of the surging Red waves.
It is an event worthy of felicitations, not only to the
Eastern Asia, but also the whole humanity.
Manchuria was fated to be subject to spoliation of the
Western Powers as well—not to say Soviet Union. It
is needless to dilate on how bitter were the struggles, how
sinister the chicanery of the Western Powers, who even
though pampered by their extensive territories and their
vast colonial possessions, remained yet unsatiated and
ventured forth their tentacles of greed to Manchuria.
Withal, the Chang Regime susceptible to the lure of per-
sonal gains, readily succumbed to the ominous tempta-
tions and went to the length...”
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“...PRECURSOR OF ASIATIC RENAISSANCE
11
Attacked by the Communists on the one hand, and
subjected to the barrage of the Western Capitalism on
the other, the constituted authorities in Manchuria re-
mained powerless to resist and even lacked the will to
resist.
Dismal, sombre clouds about to threaten whole Asia
were rising up in Manchuria. However, the timely advent
of Manchoukuo speedily cleared away such ominous
clouds and dispelled the overwhelming unrest of Asia.
The advent of Manchoukuo accelerated thus the re-
juvenation of Asia. Asia, long regarded as a happy hunt-
ing ground, an object of exploitation,—Asia tremulous at
the impending sight of depredation in the hands of
Western Powers—was enabled to enjoy a volt face or an
opportunity of creating its own civilization and develop-
ing its resources by its own strength. And. this is due
veritably to the birth of New State.
Little wonder then, Japan had staked her national
existence and bent all her energies for the growth of
Manchoukuo...”
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“...12 CONTEMPORARY MANCHURIA
as well as quantity, be compared to that of the period
under the old Regime.
Viewed from this angle, there is every reason to be-
lieve that Western Powers should be appreciative of
the independence of Manchoukuo. Their assumption of
blindness to the reality of facts under the spell of past
circumstances would mean only a self-deception as well
as a stultification of others. Should such be the case, no
commendable outcome, be it noted, can ever be expected.
As regards the independence of Manchoukuo, a num-
ber of arguments and counter-arguments were advanced
from the standpoint of international law or the inter-
pretation of international treaty. For these controversies,
Japan has provided from the beginning very lucid ex-
positions, which it is needless to reiterate, in as much as
the existence of Manchoukuo is fait accompli lasting near-
ly five years.
Nevertheless, Nanking Government is still attempt-
ing, whenever an opportunity offers, to denounce Man-...”
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“...of Asia. It is too plain to foretell that the
New State will become a powder-magazine of the whole
world, liable by a single spark of turning the whole of
Asia into the scene of fratricidal carnage and also of
dragging the whole world again into the darkness of
despair.
Historically, Manchuria was the hereditary property
of the Manchurian people. At the incursion of Man-
churian kings into Peking, from which city they ruled
the whole of China, Manchuria was made a forbidden
territory, or an exclusive “ Crown Colony.” Manchuria
and China became a sort of confederation under one
Sovereign. In another word, Manchuria conquered
China, but never did China subjugate her as Chinese
dominion or possession. Manchuria and China were
affiliated for nearly three hundred years by virtue of the
Manchu Dynasty. With the downfall of Manchu
Dynasty, China set herself free from the bondage.
Hence, the independence of Manchoukuo does not...”
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“...14 CONTEMPORARY MANCHURIA
signify her isolation or secession from China; it simply
means the remodelling of her historical existence in the
garb of ‘ modern state.”
Since the establishment of Manchoukuo does not
connote the disruption of China, nor the loss of that
which she had possessed, it is not to be regarded as
equivalent to the “loss of face”? on the part of China.
As a matter of fact, Chinese inhabitants numbering
more than 20,000,000 or the kinsmen of Chinese in
China Proper, are now daily enjoying peaceful, happy
livelihood, which was not dreamed of in the pre-in-
dependence days.
Is it too much to expect that China would rather
felicitate heartily the people of Manchoukuo and _ pro-
mote her friendship with them, while consolidating their
mutual relations, especially when the regime of Man-
choukuo, constituted as it is to-day, has been fully sup-
ported by the general will of the entire population, even
though there were some dissentient, recalcitrant elements
at the beginning...”
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“...pos-
sibilities of a great nation, in proportion as she will aid
the Wang-tao Government in Manchoukuo at work.
Some people hold that Manchoukuo is a territory of
China, since the bulk of her population are composed
of Chinese (the Han race). However, such a contention
is wholly untenable, in view of what has already been
referred to. If it can be maintained that Manchoukuo
is a Chinese territory, because Chinese people have
penetrated beyond the Great Wall into the forbidden
territory of Manchuria, we might as well be warranted
in counter-arguing to the effect that the United States
shall be made an British territory; the Latin American
countries a Spanish territory; or the Island of Hawaii
a Japanese territory. Likewise, the Mongolian region
now presumed to be Chinese territory may have to be
returned to the Mongolians; and the large portion of
frontier regions to the Miao tribe, the Mohammedans
and Tibetans respectively.
Obviously, the growth and progress of Manchoukuo
has brought...”
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“...16
CONTEMPORARY MANCHURIA
It goes without saying that remittances sent from in-
habitants in Manchoukuo to North China, as well as
cash carried back home by the Chinese immigrants were
the source of boom to Chinese in the North China, ever
cursed by the overpopulation and famines. This is only
one instance out of many. It simply illustrates that the
bulk of Manchurian inhabitants are Chinese, closely
bound by the ties of various inter-relationships. The
upshot of all is that such a contingency makes China
happily a beneficiary of advantages accruing from the
growth and progress of Manchoukuo, and never a
recipient of disadvantages and inconvenience arising
therefrom. Hence, any move or design calculated to
plunge the New State headlong into vortex of dis-
order cannot but be branded as a conspiracy of suicidal
nature.
In particular, the security of Manchoukuo is a ques-
tion, on which Japan cannot look with something of
equanimity or indifference, as she is vitally concerned
in all phases...”
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“...CONTEMPORARY MANCHURIA
ing herself with a traditionally defensive attitude towards
other nations. ‘True to her benevolent policy towards
the people owing fealty to her, she came to the rescue of
the inhabitants of the Amur basin to free them from the
Russian invaders. After first issuing an order for their
evacuation to safer regions within the kingdom, China
opened hostilities against the invaders. Thus Russia,
the conqueror of all the races in Siberia, for the first
time found herself confronted with a mighty enemy in
China. At the end of a long struggle with China, which
continued for over three decades (1652-86), Russia
awakened to the realization that all factors considered,
including her 17th century weapons and the racial and
national consciousness of her people, her eastward ad-
vance had reached its limit. The result was a reorien-
tation of her policy towards one of peace.
The capitulation of the Arbazin Fortress—a noted
historical event in the Russo-Chinese struggle of the...”
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“...22 CONTEMPORARY MANCHURIA
near the Amur River, and flowing into the sea, and
of all land between the Uji River and the border
mountains shall be decided upon at a proper time in
the future.
(3) The Argun River, which empties into the Amur, shall
also form the boundary between the two countries.
(4) The Arbazin Fortress shall be destroyed.
(In addition an agreement was also reached regarding com-
munications between the two countries. The above data are
obtained from the publication of the Russian Foreign Office
on Russo-Chinese treaties.)
By the conclusion of the Nerchinsk Treaty, China
realized her long-cherished desire of having the Argun
River established as her northwestern frontier and of
gaining possession of the Amur River basin, thus nullify-
ing Russia’s thirty-year efforts to acquire the extensive
and fertile farming land along the Amur River. How-
ever, what Russia desired most at that time was the
opening of trade with China, and simultaneously with
the conclusion of...”
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“...CONTEMPORARY MANCHURIA
its command, cowed the Chinese delegation into accept-
ing its demand for the cession to Russia of the entire
territory on the left bank of the Amur River, extending
from the Argun River to the mouth of the Amur.
As she had no special interest in the Amur region
since the conclusion of the Nerchinsk Treaty, China was
at first unaware of the grave significance of the Aihun
Treaty but it was not long before she became conscious
of it. General I Shan and Chilaminga were held respon-
sible for China’s failure at the conference and were
punished. China even issued a statement announcing
her non-recognition of the transfer of the Amur district
to Russia. Mouravieff and the other Russian delegates,
on. the other hand, were accorded the highest honors
by their Government.
On June 13, 1858, only a month after the signing
of the Aihun Treaty, the Russian representative, Poutia-
tin, who had diligently been conducting negotiations
with the Chinese authorities for the conclusion...”
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“...CONTEMPORARY MANCHURIA
still further to 200,000 in 1896—the year of the completion
of the Siberian railway.
Although Russo-Chinese relations entered into a state
of comparative lull after the conclusion of the Peking
Treaty, occasional disputes concerning navigation rights
and immigration broke out owing to disagreement over
the names of certain rivers mentioned in the treaties
concluded between the two countries.
Il. THE PRESENT BOUNDARY BASED ON TREATIES
The present boundary between Manchoukuo and the
Soviet Union is based on treaties concluded between
China and Russia to which the Manchoukuo Govern-
ment succeeded, as stated in the communique issued,
simultaneously with the foundation of the new State in
March 1932, to the Foreign Ministers of various powers
to the effect that “ Manchoukuo shall succeed to those
liable obligations due to the Republic of China by virtue
of treaty stipulations with foreign countries, in the light
of international laws and conventions and that these...”
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“...28 CONTEMPORARY MANCHURIA
Furthermore, it did not specify the ownership of the
immense territory lying between the Ussuri River and the
sea. The Peking Treaty and other agreements concluded
after it will be next explained in their relation to the
Russo-Chinese frontier.
1. The Eastern Boundary.
In accordance with the provisions of the Peking Trea-
ty, a mixed Sino-Russian committee, after conducting a
survey of the eastern border in 1861, the year following
the signing of the above treaty, erected wooden posts
(marked in Russian alphabetical order) along the eastern
frontier and recorded their location on a map. Copies
of the map, together with a protocol, known as the Lake
Khanka Treaty, were exchanged between the two coun-
tries. The protocol was so named because it was signed
at Pailengho, on the shore of Lake Khanka.
As many of the wooden posts decayed in the years
that followed, making the frontier indistinguishable, a
Sino-Russian conference, attended by Baranoff and Wu
Ta, was...”
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