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Its basis was, I think, the opinion of North and Hawkins that no other informed and representative Chinese could be found whose advice would be of value.
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En passant, it would be difficult to support the proposition that the above-named represent any substantial body of Chinese opinion or anyone but themselves and their own personal interests.
It is difficult to believe that in a population of nearly a million no other counsellors could be found and search is now being made.
3. All those who served in the Representative and Advisory Council's during the Japanese occupation either made speeches or were ostensibly connected with the issue of statements which, on a strictly legal construction, were treasonable as being calculated to "aid and comfort the King's enemies".
It is a contentious point whether there was any treasonable intent or whether the speeches were made or statements issued under such a fear of death as would excuse by reason of duress (I think that such fear was reasonable) and again whe ther those concerned should have escaped to free China (I think that they were under such surveillance that they could not do so) and for this reason and because the Directive calls for a spirit of tolerance, it has been thought improper to prosecute for treason.
Furthermore, as the population has settled down and there is no popular clamour for punishment, it would seem highly impolitic to stir up animosities.
Nevertheless it may, I think, be accepted that there is a very general feeling that those persons who are tainted by association with the Representative and Advisory Councils should not continue to bask in the sunshine of official favour or to stand in the place of counsellors
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