Giving a hearty welcome to the goodwill visit of Japanese Premier Nobusuke Kishi, all local papers expressed the hope that it would usher in a new era of Sino-Japanese cooperation, particularly in their common endeavor to check Communist aggression and to promote peace and prosperity in Asia.
The Central Daily News, in its editorial on June 3, declared that "historical, geographical, cultural and other important factors all call for closer Sino-Japanese cooperation. Particularly at the present moment, it is all the more imperative, because of the Communist threat posed to both of them. As two important countries in this part of the world, both China and Japan share the same responsibility for taking effective measures to arrest aggression so as to ensure peace and prosperity in Asia." In their attempt to break the unity of the free world, the paper went on to say, "Soviet Russia and its Chinese stooge have been using economic bait to promote neutralism in Japan. It is reported that Nehru of India has persuaded Premier Kishi to accord official recognition to the puppet Peiping regime. But Premier Kishi made it known time and again by his public statements that Japan would not recognize the puppet regime, which is a source of deep satisfaction to us." "As Japan is right now engaged in post-war recovery and rehabilitation," the paper further pointed out, "it is only natural that many of her policies would be based on economic interests alone. However, we have to call the attention of the Japanese leaders to the erroneous impression of the Japanese people that Japan's trade with the Chinese mainland would serve the best economic interests of their country, as shown by the statistics below. In the last five years, Free China's trade with Japan constituted five percent of Japan's total foreign trade, whereas her trade with mainland China was only one fifth of that amount in the same period. The two main items of imports to Japan from the Chinese mainland are coal and salt in the past two years, the total of which is far less than what Japan has imported from South Asia and the United States. In view of this fact, Japan's trade, while its economic benefits to Japan are quite insignificant, will only serve the political interests of the puppet Peiping regime by facilitating Communist infiltration in Japan."
"We welcome Japanese Premier Nobusuke Kishi to this country, not only because it is the first time that a Japanese Prime Minister has ever visited China since the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War in 1937 but also because Mr. Kishi's present visit is an evidence of the close relations that exist between the Republic of China and Japan." Thus declared the Hsin Sheng Pao in its editorial on the same day. "As we all know," continued the paper, "the purpose of his present goodwill tour is to strengthen the relations between Japan and Southeast Asian countries on the one hand and to promote peace and prosperity of whole Asia on the other. Peace and prosperity, the Japanese Prime Minister has correctly pointed out, go closely hand in hand and cannot be achieved separately. Thus, peace and prosperity in Asia is interwoven with those of Europe and other continents, and vice versa.. Because of that, the unhappy conditions in one area will inevitably affect the peace and prosperity of other areas. This is a truism which has won universal recognition. In the same token, peace and, prosperity of Asia would be adversely affected if anything unfortunate happens to any of the Asian countries. The Chinese mainland serves a striking example in this respect. As long as the conditions there remain unchanged, there will be no peace and prosperity in Asia. In view of this fact, it is our sincere hope that China and Japan will closely cooperate with each other in fighting against Communism, which is the main stumbling-block to peace and prosperity of Asia and also the whole world." "We are not unaware of the complicated political situation in Japan. On the other hand, Japan is rather fortunate in having a great statesman in the person of Kishi whose vision and statesmanship will enable him to stabilize the situation at home," added the paper.
Attaching much significance to the visit of the Japanese Premier to Free China, the Chung Hua Jih Pao, in its editorial on June 3, expressed the hope that it would help further promote mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries. While lauding Premier Kishi's statesmanship in reiterating his opposition to recognition of the puppet Peiping regime, the paper deplored that the neutralist sentimens are still strong and pro-Communist ideas widespread in that country. In view of this fact, continued the paper, "it behooves the Japanese Government to match its words with deeds by ridding the country of all pro-Communist activities." By now, the paper pointed out, "all farsighted Japanese leaders must have recognized that no peril posed to their country is greater than the Communist menace. Only by casting in its lot with the democracies can Japan protect its own security and promote its prosperity. Thus, it should stand firm against all inducements the Communists may offer. A statesman of great political acumen and vision, Mr. Kishi, we are sure, will after his present tour, have a firmer grasp of the world situation and do what he can to contribute to peace and prosperity of his own country as well as whole Asia."
"Though Japan is our close neighbor with firm historical and cultural ties, visits between the statesmen of the two countries have been rare in the past. While it is too much to expect that all the outstanding problems existing between the two countries can be thoroughly discussed and solved during Mr. Kishi's short sojourn here, his present goodwill visit is, however, an auspicious be ginning which, let us hope, will usher in closer relations between them." Thus said the Combined Daily News in its editorial on the same day. In saying so, continued the paper, "we are not unmindful of the complicated political situation in Japan. However, what we expect of a great statesman is that he will not be swayed by temporary and immediate gains and realities of the moment. Instead, with vision and courage, he should have a firm grasp of historical tendency and lead his own country to a road calculated to promote its best interests. Devoted to the best interests of his own country, and being a seasoned statesman with experience and farsightedness, Mr. Kishi is the proper man to undertake such a mission. His present tour of Southeast Asian countries and his scheduled visit to the United States after that we are sure, will help him lay down a clear-cut and fundamental policy for his country which will not only serve the interests of Japan but also those of the free world as a whole."
Extending its warm welcome to Premier Kishi, the Kung Lun Pao said editorially on the same day that the speed with which Japan had recovered and rehabilitated itself from the destruction of World War II was a miracle which could be favorably compared with that of West Germany. However, continued the paper,' "the policy that the Japanese Government has been pursuing gives one the impression that it is fence-riding and wavering. In this respect, it is categorically different from West Germany which is steadfast and firm. For example, though close cooperation with the United States has been the dominant note of the Japanese foreign policy, yet, despite opposition of the latter, it espouses relaxation of the trade embargo against the puppet Peiping regime as the British have done. It should be pointed out that in foreign relations, politics and economy are one and in separable, particularly in dealing with the Communist bloc of nations. Contradictions would inevitably ensue, should they be separately handled. Thus, it would be quite unthinkable that, while maintaining its diplomatic relations with the Republic of China, Japan should still be obsessed with the idea of expanding its trade relations with the puppet Peiping regime." For its own protection, added the paper, "it would be only proper for Japan to stand on the side of the anti-Communist camp and refrain from doing anything which would benefit our common enemy."
Commenting on the same topic, the China Post in its editorial on the same day, expressed the hope that "as a result of Premier Kishi's current visit to this country, Japan will courageously abandon all ideas of doing business with the Chinese Communists and determine to strengthen her relations with the Republic of China still further." Then the paper went on to offer the following suggestions for consideration by our Japanese friends. "To begin with," said the paper, "we should like to say that as the Chinese Communists are facing mounting economic difficulties, it is to the interest of the free world in general and of Japan in particular not to furnish them with economic supplies of one sort or another in order not to increase their economic potential for making war on the free nations. Secondly, it is hoped that Japan would firmly refuse to allow the Chinese Communists to send any trade delegation to Japan. If she should permit them to do so, it would be viewed by the Chinese people with grave concern and would do infinite harm to Sino-Japanese friendship. Thirdly, it must be pointed out that the Red-controlled Chinese mainland, instead of being a potential market for Japanese goods, has become to all intents and purposes a forward base for the Communist bloc of nations in their aggressive designs against Southeast Asia. Lastly, Japan must realize that she and the Chinese Communists are competing for the same market in Southeast Asia, and that if she were to supply the materials she would be simply strengthening the competitive power of her Communist rivals."
In extending Premier Kishi a warm welcome, the China News, in its editorial on June 4, had the following to say: "Premier Nobusuke Kishi, in his statement at Taipei's airport on Sunday evening, pointed to the 'common goal and common mission' of all Asian nations to secure freedom, both nation and individual, arid to develop national economy and culture. He advocated 'collaboration between China and Japan,' which, he said, 'will greatly contribute to the stability and progress of Asia.' Insofar as the Republic of China is concerned, our effort is to 'restore' freedom to the people at present shut behind the Iron Curtain on the mainland, before freedom can be 'secured' for other nations in Asia. This is something which concerns Japan as much as it concerns other Asian countries. Does Japan realize this? At present the Republic of China, is not on the mainland and hence is in no position to offer Japan much in the way of trade and material benefits. What the Republic of China can offer and is offering to Japan is a chance to take part in the creation of a new era of neighborliness, freedom and security in Asia. Is Japan interested?"
The May 24 Incident
Commenting on the topic, all local vernaculars were unanimously of the opinion that the May 24 incident had grown out of, the popular resentment against the "not guilty" verdict of the U. S. military court in the trial of Sergeant Reynolds. While condemning the acts of violence committed by a handful of unlawful elements, they expressed the hope it should not be permitted to affect the friendly relations between the Republic of China and the United States.
In its editorial on May 25, the Central Daily News stated that the "Reynolds' case is not only a purely legal problem but also one between two individuals. A legal problem should not be mixed up with a political problem and a problem between individuals, with one between two countries." While condemning the acts of violence that had been committed by enraged mobsters, the paper continued to say: "All our American friends should recognize that this unfortunate incident was brought about by a few unlawful elements upon whom alone the full responsibility should be laid. Therefore, it should not in any way affect the most cordial relations between the two countries. If anything should happen to mar the relations between them, it would only benefit their common enemy, the Communists."
Calling upon its readers to keep cool following the May 24 incident, the Hsin Sheng Pao editorially declared on the same day that those Americans with a sense of justice would feel exactly in the same way as we did that the special military court's verdict was a miscarriage of justice. We can fully understand the indignation felt by our compatriots over the unfair decision. However, we cannot bring ourselves to sympathize with the unlawful acts of a few people. In so doing, they have done great damage to the interests of their country." The paper then went on to ask the government to take stern action against those who had been responsible for the mob violence.
The Chung Hua Jih Pao, in its editorial on the same day stated that "we must not give vent to our wrath by asking all Americans to assume any part of the responsibility which was clearly and rightfully Sergeant Reynolds'." "While we criticize other people for being unfair," continued the paper, "we must be fair ourselves. If we take others to task for twisting the law, we must be law-abiding ourselves. What happened yesterday has gone beyond all reasonable limits, and therefore, cannot be condoned on any grounds." The paper then went on to call upon the general public to keep cool and the law-enforcing authorities to take sternest action against those who were chiefly responsible for the unfortunate incident.
Commenting on the same topic, the Combined Daily News declared editorially on the same day that what had happened yesterday went far beyond all reasonable bounds and therefore, should be strongly condemned. "We may express our indignation," continued the paper, "against Reynolds' cruel and inhuman behavior. We may also voice our opposition to the verdict of the U. S. military court. We may even go a step further by appealing to the government to negotiate with the United States for the abolition of diplomatic immunity enjoyed by the U. S. military personnel stationed on Taiwan. But we should not step out of these limits. Anything done beyond these would be wrong." In the last analysis, continued the paper, "the unfortunate happening was the result of the diplomatic immunity enjoyed by the American military personnel in Taiwan. It is hoped that the government would negotiate right away with the American Government for its abolition so as to remove the basic cause, without which the unhappy incident might have not happened at all."
While deploring the unfortunate 'incident, the Kung Lun Pao editorially pointed out on the same day that Friday's blow-up had been spontaneous and unorganized and that the acts of violence were committed by a handful of those present on the scene whose emotion obviously got the better of their reason. In working out a reasonable solution of the complicated questions involved, the paper said, "it behooves both the Chinese and American Governments to take these two basic facts into consideration."
Strongly deploring the unfortunate incident on the previous day, the China Post in its editorial on May 25 made the following observations: "the fact that the U. S. military court has found Sergeant Reynolds 'not guilty' while the man in the street on this island thinks otherwise bespeaks the difference of legal concepts between them and the necessity for a revision of the present arrangements whereby all members of U. S. armed forces stationed here enjoy diplomatic immunity." "Yesterday's incidents at the local American Embassy, the USIS, and the MAAG building, and the demonstrations in front of the Taipei Police Burean are highly regrettable, although they were spontaneous expressions of popular sentiments. At this moment it behooves everybody to keep cool and not to strain the high-strung tension to its breaking point. A certain degree of damage has already been done to Sino-American relations. It is now up to the responsible authorities of both countries to prevent the damage from leading to anything worse."
Laying all the blame for yesterday's unfortunate incident on police indecision, the China News said editorially on the same day that "it was one thing for the widow of Liu Chi-jan to petition to United States Embassy over the verdict handed down by an American court-martial against Sergeant Robert G. Reynolds for killing her husband. It was definitely another for the crowds to take the law into their own hands and perpetrate what they did at the United States Embassy and later at the United States Information Service office. Their lawlessness cannot be condoned in any circumstances anywhere." Over the Reynolds' verdict, continued the paper, "the Chinese Government had a right to make representation on its obvious lack of fairness. Now over the mob incident, the American Government will be well within its right to demand an apology and compensation for property damaged during the hours of uncontrolled vandalism. Until yesterday's incident, relations between the Chinese people and American personnel on Taiwan have been known for their friendliness. Now this record has been tarnished. It should be remembered that the Americans are here to help us defend Taiwan against the Communists, who can be expected to exploit yesterday's incident to the fullest extent in their propaganda…. Just as not every American on Taiwan approved of what Sergeant Reynolds did, no thinking Chinese approved of what the mob did yesterday at the United States Embassy. Neither the Chinese nor the American people should allow yesterday's incident to deter what they have set out to do together on this island."