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I. INTRODUCTION.
1. The most striking political events of 1938 were the
various agreements concluded in the form of treaties with (ler-
many and Italy and in the form of an understanding with Poland.
The former constitute full recognition while the latter is
interpreted as a compromise which does not definitely commit
Poland to recognition but opens the door to future negotiation.
2. These events have been a source of great satisfaction
to the fanchoukuo Government. Taken in combination with the
relinquishment by Japan at the end of 1937 of her exterritorial
rights, they are read as marking the coming of age of the new
state, The foreign observer may be pardoned for questioning
the independence of Innchouk:10. In form the independence of
In practice Japan 'runa'
the state is guaranteed by Japan.
Manchouki10. But both countries would presumably maintain that
their precise relations are their own affair and contend that
Manchoukuo functiona as a separate entity.
3. The present moment, therefore, when anchoukuo claims
to have become a full-fledged member of the family of nations
seems a suitable one to study how far this claim can be subs-
tantiated and I propose to devote attention to the point in
this report.
4. Lens striking but probably more important in the long
run is the change in attitude towards the question of recogni-
tion. Hitherto Manchoukuo has followed a passive policy. 20
long as the whole world outside of Japan refused to recognize
the state, there was little she could do but acquiesce. Now
that neveral countries have ranged themselves on her side,
Manchoukuo is beginning to divide the world into 'recognizing'
and 'non-recognizing' powers. From this point it is but a step
to dividing them into friendly and hostile powers: 'who is not
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