—111—
and to stimulate Manchu race-consciousness, this source of support for the new Government is not sufficient to give it any title to represent the people.
Koreans.In the past, there has been much friction between Korean farmers backed by the Japanese authorities on the one hand, and Chinese officials, landowners and farmers on the other. There is no doubt that, in the past, Korean farmers suffered from violence and extortion.
The Korean deputations which appeared before the Commission generally welcomed the new regime, but we cannot say to what extent they were representative of their community. In any case, those Koreans who are political refugees having emigrated to escape Japanese domination might not be expected to welcome an extension of that domination. These refugees have proved a fertile ground for Communist propaganda, and maintain contact with the revolutionary groups inside Korea.[1]
White Russians.Of all the minority communities in Manchuria, the small colony of White Russians—at least 100,000 in number—in and around Harbin has suffered the most in recent years. Because they are a minority community with no national Government to protect them, they have been subjected to every kind of humiliation by the Chinese officials and police. They are in conflict with the Government of their own country and are, even in Manchuria, in constant anxiety on that account. The richer and more educated members of their community can earn a livelihood, but they have been liable to suffer whenever the Chinese authorities have thought some advantage was to be gained from the U.S.S.R. at their expense. The poorer members find it very hard to make a living and have suffered continually at the hands of the police and the Chinese courts. In a province where taxes are assessed by a process of bargaining, they have been made to pay a higher portion of their assessed taxes than their Chinese neighbours. They have experienced many restrictions on their trade and movements and have had to pay bribes to the officials to have their passports examined, their contracts approved or their land transferred. It is not to be wondered at that many members of this community, whose condition could not well be made worse, should have welcomed the Japanese and now entertain hopes that their lot may be improved under the new administration.
We received a deputation of White Russians when we were in Harbin, as well as many letters, and we gathered from them that they would support any regime which would guarantee to them:
- (1) The right of asylum;
- (2) An honest and efficient police administration;
- (3) Justice in the law courts;
- (4) An equitable system of taxation;
- (5) Rights of trade and settlement, not dependent on the payment of bribes;
- (6) Facilities for educating their children.
Their requirements in this respect were chiefly efficient teaching of foreign languages to enable them to emigrate, and good technical education to enable them to obtain business employment in China. - (7) Some assistance regarding land settlement and emigration.
Conclusions of the Commission.Such are the opinions of the local population conveyed to us during our tour in Manchuria. After careful study of the evidence presented to us in public and private interviews, in letters and written statements, we have come to the conclusion that there is no general Chinese support for the "Manchukuo Government", which is regarded by the local Chinese as an instrument of the Japanese.
- ↑ See also Chapter III and special study No. 9, annexed to this Report.
