The Daily Worker

JAPAN READY TO HOLD MANCHURIA AGAINST CHINESE
Raises Fortifications at Strategic Points, Will Close Door of Great Wall
Position Will Be Defended "At Any Cost," as Protectorate Is Announced

DARIEN, Manchuria, June 17.-Japan will hold Manchuria under a virtual "protectorate," it was semi-officially declared here yesterday and a warning amounting to a war threat was issued against any attempt to dislodge her.

The warning couched in the phrase that Japan will maintain peace in Manchuria "at any price" was issued by Yousuke Matsuoka, vice-president of the South Manchurian Railway, an official long connected with the Japanese foreign office at Tokio, and now holding a sort of unofficial post representing the Tokio government here.

Prepares for Siege.
Japan has been active during the past week strengthening a number of strategic points which she will hold against attack. Preparations for closing the Great Wall at Shanhaikwan, at the eastern end, have already been made. Other preparations against attack are being rushed frantically by Japanese military officials.

Referring to the Japanese position (Continued on Page Two)
JAPAN READY TO HOLD MANCHURIA AGAINST ATTACK

Raises Fortifications at Strategic Points

(Continued from Page One)

in Manchuria, Matsuoka did not hesitate over the fact that Japanese control there was intended to be permanent. "Call it a protectorate, if you will," he said.

Embarrassing-But

"I admit this is little to put us in an embarrassing position, but Manchuria is our first line of defense," he declared further, but there are times when a firm attitude is essential and this is one of them."

While this attitude of Japan was being enforced through the "unofficial" declaration of Matsuoka, the so-called Nationalist government made public a request of the United States government for the negotiation of a new treaty which will revise the existing agreements between the two countries. This is seen as a virtual request for recognition from the Washington government. The request is based on the recent statement by the U. S. that she would recognize any responsible government at Nanking—meaning, of course, any government which would repress the working class and peasant revolutionary movement.

Bids for Support.

NANKING, June 17—The so-called Nationalist government made a further bid for the support of the imperialist powers here yesterday by promising a continued campaign against the Communists and left wing labor organizations.