ABSTRACT
Great Britain has supplied the Chinese with war material through Hong Kong and Rangoon, and France through Haiphong, without which the defence directed from Hankow would scarcely have been possible. If the war between China and Japan proceeds until both parties have exhausted their resources, there is the risk for both of them, but perhaps more for Japan, that a third Power or a group of Powers may force its offices as mediator upon the two belligerents. But if China should finally become a Japanese protectorate, Japan will enter a new and extremely critical phase, characterized by the traditional assimilation-offensive of the Chinese race. Chinese troops are active in the mountains of Shansi and all over eastern China large numbers of guerrillas hold vast areas in the provinces over which the Japanese claim control. For the future conduct of the Japan-China war the occupation of Hainan is hardly an operation of major importance.
