Response to Ediorial #2 -- Winston Churchill

I must admit that I played a fatal role in Japan's rise to power. Had I not insisted on the severing of the Anglo-Japanese treaty in order to pacify the Americans, Japan would never have been in a situation to take control of Manchuria. For many years, Britain and Japan were allies -- this is one of the main reasons that Germany was not able to take control during The Great War. The treaty allowed Japan as an ally of the world's empires to feel respected and included in the major decision making. The dissolution of the treaty made Japan feel isolated and vulnerable and without the backing of England there was no longer an incentive for them to respect their surrounding countries. Prime Minister Lloyd George was correct in wanting to renew the treaty. Had America supported our navy in the Pacific, Japan would not have had the ability to develop and grow their military. I should not have let my mother's American blood drive my policy making. I should have remembered that America had been unwilling to support Britain since the Revolutionary War and that their main interest was always in their own pursuits. While I cannot blame Japan for wanting to grow their empire, I cannot condone their actions. I must also apologize for my stupidity when I was the Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1924 for being blind to Japan's ability to turn on their ally of so many years. In looking back I am amazed that my blindness lasted until Japan invaded Manchuria in 1931. My "Ten-Year Rule", which single-handedly decreased military spending and shrunk the Royal Navy to an inconsequential number, was one of my most embarrassing contributions as chancellor. I firmly believe that The League of Nations should have held Japan accountable for its invasion in 1931, rather than trying to condemn its actions in 1933, when it was too late for action. Japan simply laughed at The League and thumbed its nose at its previous allies. While I believe that Japan is a villain in its actions against Manchuria and know that my actions played a large role in their ability to invade Manchuria, it is ultimately the Americans who carry the major blame – their refusal to support Britain’s Pacific interests and to join The League of Nations are unforgiveable actions and make me worried about their support for Britain should something happen in the future.

With Condolences,

Winston Churchill