In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

329 Appendix K Syngman Rhee,“Statement of the Koreans in Manchuria,” February 18, 1933 Geneva, February 18th, 1933 In his statement to the Council, at the morning session of November 21st, 1932, m. matsuoka, the Japanese representative, gave an answer to the question why Japan did not refer the matter of manchuria to the league of Nations. Four reasons were given, the second being that, had she done so, “the position of Japanese subjects, including Koreans, in manchuria would have been seriously undermined, in view of the delay invariably incidental to league procedure, and there are over one million Japanese subjects in manchuria, including those of Korean origin.” apart from the fact that this statement betrays a complete lack of confidence in the league, it is difficult to understand how a reference of the matter of manchuria to this world institution could have the effect of undermining the position of Japanese subjects there. For, if Japan had a good case, she would have nothing to fear in presenting it to the league. the league would, in all cases, act in accordance with the principles and provisions of the Covenant. It would not fail nor hesitate to render justice to any State to which justice is properly due. Provided that Japan’s case is a good one, there is no reason to doubt why an appeal to the league should not result in strengthening the position of her subjects in manchuria instead of undermining it. as far as we Koreans can perceive, the apprehensions entertained by the Japanese seem natural enough. For, if Japan brought her case before the league on the alleged ground that her interests there were being jeopardized by the Chinese, the league might at once institute an enquiry into the facts of the case, and, as the number of Koreans in manchuria is five times that of the Japanese there, the question of the status of Koreans in those provinces, their interests as well as their treatment under Chinese administration, would naturally form an important part of the enquiry. But any examination of the Korean question would be imperfect without at the same time carefully and thoroughly investigating our conditions in Korea. In this way, Japan’s policy of absorbing Korea, as evidenced in many forms of her high-handed action towards the Koreans, would be fully brought to light; and her plan to push into China’s three Eastern Provinces in order to bring under her exclusive jurisdiction and complete mercy a million or 330 Appendix K more of the Koreans taking refuge therein would be exposed and thwarted. In this way, too, Japan’s position in manchuria would, from her point of view, [have] suffered a serious setback. Herein lies the real fear of Japan in referring the case of manchuria to the league. In this connection, it would perhaps be useful to give a brief account of the existing condition in Korea under the Japanese regime. Japan’s policy in Korea has been a series of changes; first assimilation, then terrorism and now extermination. teaching of the Japanese language is made obligatory and universal. all text-books are printed in Japanese and carefully censored. teachers wear uniforms and carry swords in class-rooms. teaching of history and academic subjects is either forbidden or discouraged . Studying abroad is made almost impossible. the Koreans are only encouraged to pursue industrial knowledge of a practical nature so that they may be assimilated into a lower class of manual workers. they are denied freedom of speech, of assembly and of the Press [sic]. the Korean newspapers are subjected to daily censorship, being printed frequently with the types wrong side up, publication suspended and editors put in jail every now and then. they are not allowed to join any of the administrative and judicial offices in Korea, even if they care to co-operate with their alien administrators. moreover, they are also denied justice in courts. Contrary to the elementary principle of justice, when the accused is a Korean, he has to prove his innocence, while his guilt is presumed by the mere fact of his arrest and prosecution. In this way, many Koreans were sentenced to fines, flogging, torture, exile and imprisonment on flimsy charges. there are summary courts to deal with cases involving Koreans; in many cases, there was only a semblance of a trial. the country is under a network of police, gendarmes and spies. the people are liable to be subjected to arrest and imprisonment...

Share