The Manchurian Crisis 1931 - 1932

Sept 1931. Explosion at Mukden on Japanese-controlled South- Sept 1931 Explosion at Mukden on Japanese-controlled South- Manchurian Railway. Japanese army takes control of Manchuria. Chinese take the case of Manchuria to the League of Nations. Feb 1932 The Japanese declare that Manchuria is now an independent republic named Manchuko. March 1932 The League of Nations sends a commission, led by Lord Lytton (the Lytton Commission) to Machuria to investigate. Sept 1932 The Lytton Commission reports. The Commission condemns Japanese aggression and rejects the idea the Manchuko is independent. Recommends that Japan and China should negotiate a solution with League help. Feb 1933 The League of nations finally adopts the Lytton Commission recommendations. Japan leaves the League of Nations and remains in control of Manchuria.

Why was the League unwilling to confront Japanese aggression in Manchuria? Sanctions would cause difficulties, given the economic climate (Great Depression) Employing military sanctions so far away from ‘home’ would be difficult. America was reluctant to get involved (thousands of American jobs were dependent on the Japanese silk trade). There was some sympathy for ‘Ancient Japan’ Britain didn’t want to threaten her trading interests in the Far East. Japan was a possible block to Soviet Communism.

Outcomes of the Manchurian Crisis Japan left the League of Nations (had been a permanent Council member). ‘Manchuko’ remained under Japanese control (until 1945, when it was returned to the Chinese). Japan grew in confidence and attacked China in 1937. The League had shown that it was slow to act and would not take action against a major power like Japan.