ABSTRACT
BEFORE the appointment of Mr. Pu Yi as Chief Executive there had been many speculations regarding the probability of the new State being a monarchy, but all mention of this was prohibited, though it was evident that the regime was only a provisional one. The delicacy of feeling regarding the discussion of the popular sentiments of a neighbouring country was amazing. First the Japanese Press was forbidden to say anything about independence movements in Manchuria; then, when it was independent, the Press was forbidden to mention monarchical aspirations. The new State was not to be called anything but its name-Manchukuo-and its ruler was not to be called by his name, but Chief Executive. Political gestation was in progress; on January 20, 1934, the police notified the newspapers that on March 1st, the second anniversary of the proclamation of the Era of Tatung, the Chief Executive would become Emperor, with the name Kang Te, which would also be the name of the new Era. The name was officially translated Tranquillity and Benevolent Virtue, and was more applicable to its bearer than to the times in which he lived. The State was given yet another name to signify its imperial character, being henceforth Manchutikuo; but this was a mouthful so lacking in euphony that it was quickly abandoned, even in official publications. The enthronement ceremony was nothing very elaborate. The Japanese newspapers gave photographs of the new throne, with the information that it had been made in Osaka.
