TIENTSIN, CHINA, March 13, 1932To all the Women Peace Lovers of the World
At midnight on September 18th, without warning and cause, the Japanese imperial soldiers usurped all buildings, both government and civil, in the city of Mukden, in Northeast China. This inconceivable aggression was done through the direct order of the Japanese military commanders, causing confusion and terror among all residents. From then on began the pre-planned occupation of Manchuria and the subjugation of the Chinese people at her most vulnerable spot, and during the most critical stage of world affairs, the effect of which spread throughout the entire country.
Picture to yourself a situation where famine, flood, poverty and the struggle for political democracy were claiming the interests and energies of all the leaders of China. At such a time as this, Japan launched her attack! Under the pretense of protecting her citizens in different cities, (even to those where there are no Japanese Nationals) Japan has continually sent unnecessary troops and ammunition. Such provocation caused serious conflicts at local centers such as Tientsin and Tsingtao, culminating in bloodshed and atrocities barbarous beyond description, in the so called civilized international center of Shanghai.
In spite of the League of Nation's persuasion and efforts at settlement, Japan defiantly continued her undeclared warfare upon China. Believing in the sincerity of those powers, whose signatures were affixed to Peace Covenants, and maintaining our unchanging faith in the sanctity of peace, China made no military resistance until forced to do so for self-defence.
Have you noticed that because of her desire for peace, China has yielded at every instance to the point of humiliation? Have you noticed that, generally speaking, the world's indifference to the situation, when China uses pacific methods, is completely changed to approbation, when resistance is offered? Is it not natural, therefore, that China should conclude that armed force is imperative in present day conflicts and that the old axiom that "Might makes Right" still holds true. But God forbid!
It is imperative that the world continue its efforts to bring about justice even after the stimulus of this immediate war emergency is removed. We appeal to the conscience of the world, and urge the women of every peace-loving nation, including those high souls among the Japanese who condemn this military action, to use every means possible for stopping this carnage of war, and for establishing peaceful means of settlement.
May we depend upon you to pass on these facts with such sympathetic interpretation to other women, so that they may give their heartfelt understanding and moral support towards the combined effort of women of the world in the cause of peace?
Yours in the name of Peace,
Young Women's Christian Association of Tientsin
Tientsin Amico Club