Burma Road armies of Chinese linked
Opening land route to Chungking near
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Background of news –
The issue of race equality
By F. M. Brewer
Recognition of racial equality, demanded by China at Dumbarton Oaks but not acted upon in 1944, is expected to have full support of Russia in the United Nations conference on world security scheduled for 1945. At Dumbarton Oaks, the Chinese delegation met only with the delegations of the United States and Great Britain, after the Soviet delegation had withdrawn.
“Abolition of racial exclusiveness” was declared by Marshal Stalin, Nov. 6, 1942, to be a fundamental peace aim of the USSR, in accord with the racial equality provision of the Soviet constitution.
An identical demand by Japan that the principle of racial equality be recognized in the Covenant of the League of Nations was opposed by the United States and Great Britain 25 years ago and rejected at Versailles. World consideration may, however, prevail over national policies in consideration of the question at the present time.
The issue is directly related to the war effort today as it was not when raised by Japan at the end of World War I. Distrust of Western powers on the part of the colored peoples has already seriously obstructed Allied war efforts. Any decision on the racial problem promises to affect the length and character of the war and efforts to organize the world for a stable peace.
Demand for freedom grows
Racial discrimination has been variously expressed in imperialism, economic exploitation, segregation and exclusion, but it has provided a common bond uniting all colored peoples in a demand to be free, which is far more extended and determined today than at any earlier period.
The myth of white invincibility was exploded by Japan’s defeat of Russia at the beginning of the century. The war of 1914-18 further weakened the prestige and power of European nations, while its announced aims encouraged hopes of freedom and self-government that were not fulfilled.
In the interim between the two world wars, the rise of the Soviet Union as champion of exploited groups strengthened the spirit of revolt among all suppressed classes and subject peoples. Closer contacts and constant communication between all parts of the world have intensified the dissatisfaction of those held in an inferior position and increased their sense of solidarity.
At the same time, industrialization of backward countries is rapidly depriving Western nations of the advantage they have enjoyed for 200 years through their development and exploitation of steam power and modern mechanics. With a more equal distribution of industrial facilities, the numerical advantage of the colored races, which represent two-thirds of the world’s population, will become a significant factor in the world situation.
Twofold object
As a partner in the war effort of Western powers, China speaks for all colored races in demanding racial equality, and her objective is therefore twofold.
Acceptance of racial equality in a new world organization would (1) open the way for removal of remaining discriminations against Chinese nationals; (2) undermine throughout the world policies of white exploitation and political control of colored men by white men.
China, as a nation, occupies today a position of practical equality with other governments, but until all racial discrimination is eliminated her position is not secure.
On the other hand, her success, where Japan failed in obtaining recognition of the principle of equality for all races would establish her prestige throughout Asia and enable her to play her full part in the maintenance of world order after the war.
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