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China, Manchukuo and the Roman Catholic Church in World War II
     Recently, as seems to be happening with greater frequency since Vatican II, my beloved Holy Father Pope John Paul II has apologized me into a corner, though as usual with a typical vagueness that makes it easier for his most devoted adherents to defend. I will restate for the record that I am absolutely loyal to His Holiness the Pope and will ever remain under the supreme earthly power of the Papacy regardless of passing trends, but when my dear Pope Pius XI is brought under attack I am driven to attempt some response.
       One of the things I have always given Pope John Paul II credit for is admitting the mistakes of the Church throughout history--however--the apology must be warranted and not due to current trends or popular opinion of the day. In the old days, for the sake of Christian unity, a Pontiff would never think of contradicting or criticizing the actions of a previous Pope, however, as I said earlier, this is done today but in language so vague that it can be easily dismissed or elaborated on as you choose depending on whether you agree or disagree.
His Holiness Pope Pius XI
      The apology in question in this case regards the people of China. In particular, the actions of Catholic leaders regarding Japanese aggression during the 30's and 40's. Although nothing specific was mentioned, most believe this relates to the fact that His Holiness Pope Pius XI was one of the first world leaders to recognize the Japanese set up state of Manchukuo, under the last Emperor of China, Puyi who then reigned as Emperor Kang Teh. The Pope recognized the Empire of Manchukuo in 1934 and appointed Bishop Gao Dehui of the northeast missionary district of China to be the Papal representative to the Emperor's court.
       What is important to understand is that no one knew in 1934 anything close to what we know now, about Japan, Italy or Germany for that matter. Even the Emperor of Manchukuo himself knew nothing about what actions were taken by the Japanese Kwantung Army. In fact, they often operated independently of even the Japanese Emperor. If we understand the situation in 1930's China it is easier to understand why the Pope would recognize Manchukuo.
       Remember that much of Manchuria was opposed to the republican revolution of 1911 in China. The Chinese had focused their hatred against the Qing Dynasty on Manchus in general, considering them foreigners and inferior to the Han Chinese majority. When the Japanese invaded, the Republic of China made no real effort to defend the area. It is also true that, in the past, Japan had supported a number of independence movements throughout the Far East. The stated goal of their "Co-Prosperity Sphere" was to end the
H.I.M. Emperor Kang Teh of Manchukuo (aka Pu-Yi)
oppression of Asian countries by American and European colonial rule. Naturally they did not advertise the fact that they wished to take the place of these powers rather than giving true liberation. However, the face of Japanese policy was an extremely benevolent one. It also appeared that the Manchurians would be glad to be free of Han Chinese control, and happy to welcome back their former Emperor and traditional Manchurian ruler. No one could have foreseen what was to happen after the Japanese had taken control.
       We should also look at who is doing the accusing today. Putting aside what happened in the past, in which country do Christians today have greater freedom: Japan or China? The basic principle of the Japanese (Asian independence and cultural sovereignty) was a good one, they simply did not live up to it. Imagine what the world would be like if, after the defeat of Japan, the Allied powers had recognized the independence of Manchukuo (after the removal of Japanese troops of course) and allowed Emperor Kang Teh to set up his own government, the constitutional monarchy he had been planning ever since he was a boy in the Forbidden City. There would have been a crucial bastion of freedom and religious tolerance seperating Red China and North Korea, as well as another thorn in the side of the Soviet Union. Moreover, the people of China would have had a next-door-neighbor to remind them of the benefits of freedom and traditional government which they could enjoy if the Communist Party was removed.
       The actions of the Church and Pope Pius XI are easy to understand when put into perspective. It is also certainly not the place of the People's Republic of China to accuse anyone else of behaving inappropriately. The Church is not immune from making mistakes in areas of foreign relations, but knowing only what was known then, the Church, in my view, did not make a mistake. They made the only choice open to them; of recognizing with the best of intentions a new traditional monarchy that stood as an attractive alternative to the chaotic and oppressive regime in republican China, both Communist and Capitalist. The last Emperor of China represented a third and more traditional way of bringing his people forward, if only he had been given the chance.
Music playing is the anthem of Manchukuo