League Cartoons - Japan and Manchuria
In this cartoon titled "Trial by Geneva," the scene is a mock courtroom with the League of Nations represented as judges and the Lytton Report on the bench. The judge (the League of Nations) is issuing a weak sentence, merely a verbal admonition ("a good talking to"), to an offender, represented by the character labeled "Japan." Japan's defiant response, commanding the court to "mind its own business" and to dissolve itself, suggests that Japan does not recognize the authority of the League.
The cartoonist's message is a critique of the League's lack of real power and the disrespect it receives from member nations. The humor lies in the contrast between the supposed seriousness of a trial and the ineffectual nature of the punishment, as well as Japan's brazen disregard for the League's authority. This reflects historical events when the League of Nations was unable to enforce its resolutions, particularly in the face of aggression by nations such as Japan in the 1930s. |
The cartoonist is portraying the League of Nations as ineffectual, depicted by the doormat with "LEAGUE" written on it, which Japan, labeled on the soldier's backpack, is stepping on. The doormat is also labeled "Honour of Nations," suggesting that the country's actions are trampling not only on the League itself but also on the collective honor of the international community.
Additionally, another figure is shown at the doorway labeled "GENEVA," busily polishing the doormat with supplies from a box marked "Face-saving Outfit," which implies that the League is more concerned with appearances ("saving face") than with taking effective action. The overall message is a critique of the League's inability to enforce its rules and maintain respect among its members, specifically highlighting Japan's defiance and the League's weak response. |
The cartoon shows a figure labeled "Japan" striding through a torii gate marked "Manchuria," with a boot kicking through a paper labeled "Kellogg Pact." The Kellogg-Briand Pact was an international agreement that attempted to prevent war by making it illegal as a tool for national policy.
The message of the cartoon is a critical commentary on Japan's invasion of Manchuria, which was in direct violation of the Kellogg-Briand Pact. The cartoonist is highlighting the ineffectiveness of international agreements when powerful nations choose to ignore them. The image of Japan aggressively destroying the pact as it marches into Manchuria suggests that such treaties are only as strong as the willingness of countries to abide by them. The cartoon implies that without enforcement mechanisms or the commitment of signatory nations, pacts like the Kellogg-Briand are easily disregarded. |
Published in November 1931, the cartoon directly comments on the contemporary international crisis, where Japan's military actions in Manchuria challenged the peace agreements and the authority of the League of Nations. The figure labeled "Moral Authority" is sitting comfortably, reading "International Law," seemingly unaware or indifferent to the "Japanese War Party" sawing through the leg of the table—a metaphor for the undermining of the League's foundation and effectiveness.
The books "Covenant" and "Kellogg Pact" under the table indicate the agreements that were supposed to uphold peace but are now being ignored or violated. The cartoonist is highlighting the disconnect between the lofty principles of international agreements and the reality of aggressive actions by nations like Japan. The sawing of the table leg represents Japan's disregard for these agreements, and the precarious position of "Moral Authority" suggests the imminent collapse of the League's ability to enforce peace. The message questions the League's effectiveness and its future, given the current test of its resolve and capabilities. |
The cartoon depicts a large cannon labeled "Japan" firing a shell through torn documents labeled "Shanghai Port Treaty," "Covenant of the League of Nations," "World Court," "Kellogg Pact," and "Nine Power Treaty." The documents appear to be shattered by the force of the projectile, and the caption "just scraps of paper" implies these international agreements are being disregarded and treated as worthless by Japan.
The message is a stark criticism of Japan's flagrant disregard for international treaties and agreements during the early 1930s. It suggests that these treaties, which were meant to ensure peace and stability, are being treated as meaningless by Japan's aggressive military actions, particularly in the context of its activities in Manchuria and Shanghai. The cartoon reflects the sentiment in the United States and other countries that Japan's actions are a direct challenge to the international order and the principles of collective security and diplomacy. The portrayal of these solemn agreements as "just scraps of paper" underscores the cynicism and frustration with the perceived ineffectiveness of international law when confronted with unilateral military aggression. |
The cartoon titled "THE ULTIMATUM" features a classroom setting where a figure representing the League of Nations, dressed as a school teacher , is standing next to a blackboard with "Lytton Report" written on it. Facing the figure is a defiant student labeled "Japan," who says, "IF YOU GO ON SAYING I’M NAUGHTY, I SHALL LEAVE THE CLASS."
The message is a metaphorical criticism of Japan's stance towards the League of Nations following the League's investigation and report on the Japanese invasion of Manchuria (the Lytton Report). Japan is portrayed as a petulant child threatening to leave (withdraw from the League) if the League continues to reprimand it (as the Lytton Report did). This reflects historical events where Japan indeed left the League of Nations following the League's failure to recognize Japan's conquests in China. The cartoonist is commenting on Japan's dismissive attitude towards international criticism and the weakness of the League's authority, likened to a schoolteacher unable to control a disobedient student. |
The cartoon shows a violent scene labeled "THE JAP-CHINA MIX-UP," representing the conflict between Japan and China. Meanwhile, figures labeled with the names of various Western powers—USA, France, Britain, Italy, Germany—are depicted as "representatives of civilised state" discussing the need for a "police force" to intervene. The first representative suggests the idea might have merit, while the second dismisses it as "too risky" and ironically suggests it is "wiser and cheaper to wait until we're all murdered in our beds."
The cartoonist is conveying a message about the inaction of Western powers during the Japanese aggression in China. It criticizes their complacency and unwillingness to intervene, despite the evident violence and the potential threat to their own security. The "UNEASY STREET" label indicates a broader sense of international tension and instability, with the Western powers seemingly indifferent to the conflict and its implications. The cartoon implies a cynical view of international politics where economic concerns or risk aversion lead to inaction in the face of clear aggression and disorder. |