Why Defend China Reel 1 · Part 2

Description

This moving image, a Japanese propaganda film, contains the following: In reel 1, combat and riot scenes depict Chinese history from 1913 to 1931. The Kuomintang (after 1931) vilifies Japan in printed propaganda ignoring hospitals, schools, and research institutions given to China by Japan. In July 1937 the Nationalists attack Japanese soldiers at Marco Polo Bridge, Peking, and later assault Shanghai. Japanese forces defending the city combat fires as Nationalist planes bomb at will. In Japan, Chinese schools and shops remain unmolested while Japanese women and children support the war with cheers, prayers, and donations. In reel 2, Japanese occupation forces in North China unload armor, troops, and supplies at Shanghai, protect harvests, feed peasants, and salute enemy graves. As the Japanese Diet denounces the Nationalist hate campaign, Japanese infantry and cavalry advance with field artillery support, armored cars roll through Shanghai, and ships patrol the sea. According to the commentator, the Sino-Soviet peace pact betrays the Kuomintang as Moscow's tool. Japan fights for true Pan-Asian peace. Occupied North China basks in this peace as troops parade past cheering crowds, children attend school, and residents stroll amid fine buildings and shrines.

Collection

National Archives Collection of Foreign Records Seized

Series

Motion Picture Films From G-2 Army Military Intelligence Division