14. Emperor of Manchuku-Digo
The Japanese, through their intelligence channels, were well aware of all the actions of Pu I. He was constantly monitored, with him there were always people who reported on every step of his actions and conversations of Pu I. As the emperor himself wrote, first of all it was his servant Qi Jizhong ... He appeared in the imperial palace in Beijing after Pu Yi expelled almost all the eunuchs from the palace. Then he was a young man whom the emperor trusted very much. When Pu Yi left Tianjin for the Northeast, he took him with him and, of course, he knew every step of the young emperor. After the creation of Manchukuo, Qi Jizhong was sent to study in Japan in military academy, soon becoming an officer in the puppet forces of North China.
From Pu Yi's testimony at the Tokyo Trial: “General Yoshioka (Japanese Minister of the Court of the Emperor Manchukuo - V.U.) gave me a list of relatives who were allowed to see me. When I met with these relatives, the Japanese gendarmerie monitored when they came and went, and reported this to the Kwantung Army. All correspondence that came to my name from various friends was delayed and reviewed by Japanese censors. General Yoshioka, on the basis of instructions from General Umezu, forbade me to visit the graves of my ancestors. "
The Japanese military intelligence service was in charge of the 2nd Department of the Army General Staff and the 3rd Department of the Naval General Staff. These departments included representatives of legal intelligence, such as military and naval attachés, military missions and intelligence agencies of the army and navy. In China, Manchuria and Inner Mongolia (by the way, as during the Japanese intervention in Siberia), military missions carried out intelligence work, the chiefs of which, as a rule, were appointed the most qualified intelligence officers.
The Japanese gendarmes also carried out independent intelligence work. One of the departments of the gendarmerie, campetai, performed specific functions of counterintelligence and "thought control". The chiefs of the gendarme detachments were, as a rule, combat commanders, so most of the Japanese officers who held important posts had the experience of commanding gendarme detachments and had experience in intelligence and counterintelligence work in their service records. Many of the top military leaders of the Kwantung Army took "advanced courses" in the gendarme units. Thus, Lieutenant General Itagaki, who had a long experience in the intelligence service, prepared the Manchu events as the chief of staff of the Kwantung Army. General Tojo, the former Japanese prime minister during the war years, in 1936 headed the gendarmerie of the Kwantung Army, and then became its chief of staff. Lieutenant General Tashiro, prior to assuming the post of commander of Japanese forces in North China, served as chief of the gendarmerie.
Intelligence work was also carried out by the civil police, whose duties included the recruitment of provocateurs and the planting of spy agents in neighboring countries.
The Consular and Diplomatic Intelligence Service was under the jurisdiction of the Tokyo Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The intelligence work of the Japanese Foreign Ministry was carried out not only by diplomatic and consular institutions, but also by a huge network of research, scientific, cultural and other organizations.
In all large cities The Far East Japanese intelligence had its residents, usually disguised as photographers, pharmacists, restaurant and hotel owners, newspaper and magazine editors, scientists, teachers, servants, and the like. So, in Mukden, the owner of the University Pharmacy, who was actually a colonel of the gendarmerie headquarters of the Kwantung Army, a certain Miyakazawa, who spoke fluent Russian and Chinese, was engaged in espionage activities. The border reconnaissance points in Sakhalyan and Hailar operated under the guise of pharmacies, owned or operated by Japanese officers. General Staff or the gendarmerie.
A year of the reign of the supreme ruler in Manchukuo has passed. By agreement with the Japanese, Pu Yi agreed to be the supreme ruler for one year, and if a year later the leadership of the Kwantung Army did not restore the monarchy, he could resign. But this did not happen, the supreme ruler, as he himself later admitted, did not have the courage to resign. And if, when taking on new duties, he still stuttered about his further fate and the possibility of becoming an emperor during his meetings with Muto Nobuyoshi, which took place three times a month, then later he did not raise this question, at meetings he touched only on the topics of Buddhism, Confucianism, friendship between two the countries of Manchukuo and Japan.
However, at one of the meetings held in the first days after the anniversary of his tenure as supreme ruler of Manchuria, Muto Nobuyoshi himself raised a question that had long worried Pu Yi, his "imperial dreams", saying that Japan was just studying the problem of what should be the political system of Manchuku -Go. When the right conditions are created, the Japanese stressed, this issue will naturally be resolved.
On March 27, 1933, Japan, having not received recognition of the "fait accompli", that is, the creation of Manchukuo by the League of Nations, published a Notice of its withdrawal from this international organization, thereby freeing its hands to expand aggression in China. Two days before the official announcement of the withdrawal from the League of Nations, the command of the Kwantung Army concentrated five divisions on the front between Jinzhou and Shanghai, which, with the support of the aviation of the Korean group of Japanese forces and warships of the 2nd Squadron, was preparing to go on the offensive, force the passages in the Great Chinese Wall, and then turn the front to the west and south-west in order to break into Central China to seize the provinces of Rehe and Chahar, thereby creating a blockade ring around Beijing and Tianjin.
Not a single division of the central Chinese government was in these threatened areas. Under the command of Chiang Kai-shek and his General Staff, 30 divisions with reinforcement units, armed by Western states with modern small arms and artillery weapons, with a total number of more than 350 thousand people, were thrown at that time against the Soviet regions and the Red Army south of the Yangtze. The militarist generals of the western and southern provinces, for their part, were not going to send their troops to the north, since they saw the strengthening of Chiang Kai-shek's power as a threat to their position.
This situation was taken advantage of by the Japanese troops, who were in a hurry to launch an offensive with the aim of capturing North China, and primarily the provinces of Rehe and Chahar. Here they were opposed by the troops of Zhang Xueliang, in which there were strong anti-Japanese sentiments. The officers and soldiers of the former Manchu army were eager to go into battle to wash away the shame of their flight from the borders of Northeast China. However, these troops were poorly armed, had small stocks of ammunition and artillery shells. Zhang Xueliang's repeated appeals to Chiang Kai-shek to help him with weapons remained unanswered.
On February 25, at dawn, two Japanese divisions in two echelons launched an offensive from the Jinzhou and Shanghai regions, entering the boundaries of the Rehe province. The Chinese troops, ordered to "prevent the Japanese troops from crossing the Great Wall of China," remained in positions along the wall, without offering serious resistance to the Japanese. Then the Japanese troops, curled up in columns, began to advance rapidly in the western and northwestern directions, occupying one settlement after another. For a month and a half of the offensive, these columns advanced 280-200 km and on April 8 entered the main city of the province of Rehe.
As soon as the Japanese army completely occupied Rhekhe, Pu Yi congratulated the Japanese generals on their victory and wished them further military success. He wished the generals to "make new efforts and achieve new victories."
Continuing to develop the offensive, the Japanese columns entered the Chahar province by mid-April. On May 2, they occupied the town of Dolonnor. The Mongol feudal lords and their guard troops met the advance detachments of the Japanese troops with "bread and salt", which gave rise to the Japanese invaders asserting an alleged "liberation mission against the Mongolian population of Inner Mongolia." The Japanese government "suggested" Pu Yi "to appeal to the leaders of the Rehe province with a proposal to negotiate the annexation of their provinces to the state of Manchukuo, to stand under the protection of this state recognized by Japan." In the capital of Manchukuo, Xinjing, Japanese officers brought a "delegation" from the rulers of Rehe, consisting of six officials, five monks and more than ten officers of the Inner Mongolian army who had previously worked for Japanese intelligence. The "delegation" was received by Pu Yi, the conversation was extremely short. The "delegates" put their signatures on the declaration on "the voluntary annexation of the Rehe province to the state of Manchukuo."
From the cities of Rehe and Dolonnoor, motorized mobile detachments of the Japanese Kwantung Army moved south and southeast, broke through the passages in the Great Wall of China, entered Hebei Province, and on the Beijing-Mukden Railway were only 180 miles from Beijing and 250 miles from Tianjin.
A movement to protest against Japanese aggression rose up across China. The Soviet government and progressive forces in the capitalist countries came out in defense of the Chinese people, condemning the aggressive actions of the Japanese imperialists. The governments of the United States and Great Britain were forced to declare "non-recognition of the Japanese conquests in China," and US President F.D. Roosevelt appealed to open letter to the Japanese government, in which he proposed "to end hostilities in China and to enter into negotiations with the Nanking government."
On May 31, 1933, the Japanese-Chinese negotiations took place in Tanggu, as a result of which the Nanking government, torn by internal contradictions, surrendered again, an agreement was signed, known as the He-Umezu (He Yinqing - Umezu) agreement. Under this agreement, the Kuomintang troops were to withdraw to the east of Luandong, and the Chinese government was to commit to Japan not to take "any acts that could provoke hostilities and unrest." The agreement stated that "Japanese troops, wishing to make sure how the agreement is being implemented, can use aircraft and other means to observe, and the Chinese side must let the Japanese representatives pass, guard them and provide them with all the amenities." This is a shameful, surrender agreement signed by the government The Kuomintang, where the official refusal of the Nanking government from Manchuria was confirmed, marked the beginning of a new stage in Japan's policy towards China. The Japanese leaders were convinced that the Kuomintang, led by Chiang Kai-shek and Wang Jinwei, is ready to sacrifice Northern China, ready to go to any agreement with Japan, just to get a "free hand" for widespread deployment civil war against the communists and the Chinese Red Army.
Such a situation had a very inspiring effect on people who were ardently interested in the restoration of the Qing monarchy. They decided that the moment was right and began to take action.
Xi Xia sent a person close to him back in March with instructions to invite Manchu veteran monarchists and former members of parliament from the three eastern provinces to a meeting in Changchun. They wanted to ask Pu Yi to come to the throne, but the Japanese gendarmerie, well-informed about the state of affairs in Manchukuo, then forbade them to do so. In June, they began to operate again.
Some members of the Zhili group, as well as paid agents and some Japanese were ready to support the militarist Wu Peifu if he returned to the stage. This caused some excitement among the old Qing monarchists in Beijing and Tianjin. A new "discussion and study" of the question of the possibility of restoring the monarchy in the north and northeast of China began. In July, the head of the General Chancellery of the State Council of Manchukuo, Japanese Kamai, unexpectedly resigned. He was given an official severance pay of one million yuan and a "certain amount" for promising to remain silent. After that, he begins a secret struggle for "independence" for North China. In a conversation with a senior Chinese official, he said that he would go to Shanghai "to act for the future restoration of the monarchy throughout China." Thus, rumors about a possible restoration of the monarchical system were constantly circulated in society, which undoubtedly inspired Pu Yi and his closest Chinese entourage. The supreme ruler sends his bodyguard Kudo Tetsusaburo, who came at one time with Pu Yi from Tianjin and whom he trusted, considering him honest and loyal, to Japan, where indirectly to find out the situation and collect some information of interest to Pu I. Kudo soon returned. after telling that in Japan he met in Minami and important persons from the Black Dragon Society and learned that the leaders of the Japanese military department agreed to restore the monarchy in Manchukuo.
Already in October 1933, the words of the Japanese Kudo were confirmed. The new commander-in-chief of the Kwantung Army, Hishikari Takashi, officially informed Pu Yi that the Japanese government was ready to recognize the latter as Emperor of Manchukuo. Pu Yi was in an extremely joyful mood, his "imperial dreams" were coming true.
Three months before he was proclaimed emperor, Japanese advisers led by Colonel Doihara staged a pilgrimage to the Northern Mausoleum in Mukden, where Pu Yi received a vision and said that “The soul of a deceased ancestor showed him with a gesture that the ascent to the throne of the emperor was known to the souls of his other ancestors, who were once on the throne in Beijing, and that they give this full approval. "
The supreme ruler of Manchuria began to prepare for accession to the "imperial throne", believing that the first step was to prepare the imperial attire.
Here is how Pu Yi himself described these preparations: “The imperial robe with dragons was sent from Beijing by the dowager imperial concubine. But the command of the Kwantung Army announced that Japan would recognize me as the Emperor of Manchukuo, and not the Qing emperor, so I should not wear a robe with dragons, but the dress uniform of the Generalissimo of the sea, air and ground forces Manchukuo.
- How can this be? I am a descendant of Aixin Gioro, how can you not follow the precepts of your ancestors? In addition, all the members of the Aixin Gyoro clan will come. And I will ascend to the throne with them in overseas form?
“You are right, Your Majesty,” Zheng Xiaoxu nodded, looking at the imperial robe thrown on the table. This man, who dreamed of becoming the prime minister of the late Qing, was obviously thinking at that moment about the coral adornment and peacock feathers on the headdress, which could be worn by dignitaries of the highest rank. Lately he has become a little more respectful towards me. - You are right, Your Majesty, but how will the Kwantung Army see it?
- Talk to them.
After Zheng Xiaoxu left, I began to admire the imperial dress that the imperial concubine Rong Hui had kept for twenty-two years. This imperial robe was worn by Emperor Guangxu, and I thought about this robe with embroidered dragons for twenty-two years. I will definitely wear it to the ceremony, and this will be the beginning of the restoration of the Qing dynasty ...
Zheng Xiaoxu soon returned. He said that the Kwantung Army strongly demanded that at the ceremony I be dressed in the uniform of the Generalissimo. "
As a result of negotiations with the Japanese command, a certain compromise was reached.
On March 1, 1934, early in the morning, in the suburb of Changchun Xinghuatsun on an artificially poured hill, depicting a "temple of Heaven", Pu Yi, before his official coronation in an ancient Manchu robe - an imperial robe - performed a ritual of worship in front of the altar, made sacrifices to his ancestors and performed the ancient ritual of entry to the throne. Then, returning to the city, he changed into the uniform of the generalissimo and at 12 o'clock in the afternoon held a solemn ceremony of accession to the throne near the palace. "His Majesty the Emperor deigned to go to the Throne seat and take it." Since that time, the "office of the supreme ruler" was renamed into the "palace office". The place of stay of Pu Yi, in contrast to the palace of the Japanese emperor, called " huanggong "Became known as" digun "(That is, the word" huangdi "- the emperor, consisting of two hieroglyphs, was divided into two parts, the first was called the Japanese palace, the second - the palace in Chongqing).
The solemn ceremony of the emperor's accession to the throne took place in the Qinshyan palace. He was specially prepared for this significant event. A huge red carpet was laid in the Qingminlou Hall. Near the northern wall, with the help of silk curtains, a semblance of an altar was depicted, in the middle of which a throne specially made in Japan was placed: orchids, the emblem of the emperor, were carved on its back.
Pu Yi stood in front of the throne, next to him on the right and left sides were the Minister of Internal Affairs and the military attaché, the Japanese Ishimaru, Kudo's bodyguards and Xi Xia's son Xi Lunhuang, Wan Rong's brother Run Liang and others. All civil and military officials, headed by the Prime Minister, bowed deeply to Pu Yi three times, the latter responding with a slight bow. Then the commander of the Kwantung Army and he is also the Japanese ambassador, Hisikari, presented his credentials to Pu Yi and congratulated him. After that, almost all members of the Aixin Gioro imperial family and former courtiers, who arrived from Beijing, knelt three times and made nine bows. And the emperor at this time was already sitting on the throne.
Many old Qing courtiers living in Central China sent their congratulations, the head of the Shanghai gangsters, Chang Yuqing, also sent Pu Yi his congratulations and declared the seed to be the loyal subjects of the new emperor.
On March 5, the emperor deigned to grant, through the Minister of War, Zhang Jingkui, the Imperial Rescript addressed to the military and the Rescript to the wars who died for the founding of the state.
On May 10, 1934, on the occasion of the coronation of His Majesty, the first parade of the Manchuku-Di-Kuo troops took place at the airfield in the capital of Xinjing, which was personally received by the emperor.
On June 6, 1934, the brother of the Japanese emperor Chichibu-no-Miya Yasuhito arrived in Changchun, who congratulated Pu Yi on behalf of the Japanese emperor and presented him with the highest state award Japan Order of the Chrysanthemum on the Big Ribbon ( Daikunyi kikkadaijuse), and Empress Wan Rong - the Order of the Crown Precious ( Hawkans) .
In July, Pu Yi's father and his brothers and sisters came to Changchun to meet with the emperor. The emperor sent a detachment of guards to the railway station to meet and escort them to the imperial palace.
Pu Yi, dressed in a military uniform and hung with orders, and Wan Rong in palace attire, were waiting for the guests at the entrance to the imperial palace.
A car with Pu Yi's father drove up, the son stood at attention, waiting for the guest to get out of the car, then saluted his father by the military, and Wan Rong knelt down. Then everyone went into the living room, where all of their own were, so Pu Yi, right in military uniform, knelt down and repulsed his father.
In the evening, a family banquet took place. As soon as Pu Yi entered the hall, the court orchestra began to play. At the banquet, European dishes were served, and the guests were seated as at a dinner party - in a European way. Emperor Pu Yi and Wan Rong sat at opposite ends of the table, as befits a host.
Pu Jie, according to a plan outlined in advance by his elder brother, raised a glass of champagne and loudly proclaimed: “Long live His Majesty the Emperor! Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!"
All members of Pu Yi's family, including his father, repeated this after Pu Jie exclaiming “Hurray! Hurrah! Hurrah!".
The next day, there was a protest from the Japanese embassy in connection with the fact that during the meeting of Pu Yi's father, armed guards were present at the station, and this is a violation of an agreement signed by Japan and the former authorities of the Northeast and recognized by the Manchu empire. The agreement stated that in a certain zone - on the lands adjacent to the South Manchurian Railway on both sides - there can be no armed persons other than Japanese. And the Japanese embassy, \u200b\u200bor to be more precise, the command of the Kwantung Army, demanded that such cases not be repeated in the future. Pu Yi immediately sent a person to the Japanese embassy with guarantees and apologies, and was pleased that the Japanese protest was not open.
The new motto of the reign of the emperor "Kang-Te" was proclaimed, from this year a new chronology began according to the motto of the reign, and the empire began to be called "Manchuku-Di-Guo".
Emperor Pu Yi on the day of his accession to the throne on March 1, 1934, issued the first edict on the establishment of orders. They instituted three orders at once: a large order Blooming orchid, order Glorious dragon and order Auspicious clouds .
Great order Blooming orchid was the highest award of the "empire" and had two degrees: the order with a chain and the order on the Big ribbon. In all respects, the order corresponded to the Japanese Order of the Chrysanthemum. At its core appearance lay the imperial coat of arms, although the image of a blooming orchid was officially approved in this capacity somewhat later. By 1941, only two people were the owners of this order: Emperor Pu Yi and Japanese Emperor Hirohito.
The order Glorious dragon was the equivalent of the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun with paulownia flowers. Also known as the Order of the Rayed Dragon. It depicts a golden imperial dragon with five claws on its paws, and a shining golden sun. The composition was based on the emblem embroidered on the back of the ceremonial clothes of the Emperor of Manchukuo, in which he was dressed when ascending to the throne. From 1934 to 1940, this award was presented only 33 times.
The order Auspicious clouds had eight degrees, was the equivalent of the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun.
In the center of the badge of the orders from the first to the sixth degree is a yellow enamel circle with an outer ring covered with red enamel. Four groups of rays (three rays on each) diverge from the ring in the vertical and horizontal directions, forming a cross. At the corners of the cross are images of clouds in the Chinese classical style, covered with blue enamel.
Considering that the created Manchukuo did not have a constitution, although promises about its development were made, and even a commission was created to "study issues related to the development of a constitution", the state lived according to the country's three promulgated laws, replacing it.
On March 1, 1934 (1st year of Kang-Dae according to the new chronology), the Law on the Organization of the State was published, which came into force from the date of publication. The law was amended twice (November 1934 and June 1938). The law defined the system government controlled Manchukuo.
“By the grace of the sacred Heaven, We ascended the throne and by this we establish the Law on Organization, by which we indicate the foundations of the organization supreme power", - it said.
The first chapter of the Law, consisting of fifteen articles, set out the functions of the emperor. Let's see what they were.
The greatness of the emperor cannot be violated (Article 2), the emperor, as the ruler of the state, fully belongs to the supreme power, and he exercises it on the basis of this Law (3). The Prime Minister advises the emperor and is responsible for them (4). The Emperor exercises legislative power through the Legislative Chamber (6). The emperor establishes the Regulation on the organization of administrative institutions and appoints and dismisses officials, as well as determines their salaries, except for those cases about which there are special provisions in this and other laws (10). The emperor declares war, concludes peace and treaties with other states (11). The emperor has the supreme command of the army, navy and air forces of the state (12). The emperor bestows orders and other awards (13). The emperor grants pardon, reduction of sentences and restoration of rights (14).
By the promulgation of the Supreme Manifesto on the establishment of the "Kenkoku Shinbo" Temple, the corresponding sections of the main Manchuku Di-Guo Law on state structure... Thus, in paragraph nine, it was said that His Majesty the Emperor would establish the Kenkoku Shinbo Temple and would personally perform divine services there for the welfare of the entire people.
On the basis of the Imperial decree of paragraph fifteen of the Law, it was established that a special Directorate for the affairs of state temples would be in charge of the affairs of state worship.
The order of succession to the throne was established by a special Law on Succession, consisting of 10 articles.
The throne of the Manchu Empire is inherited for eternity by the male line of the sons and grandsons of Emperor Kang-Te (Article 1). The throne passes to the eldest son of the emperor (2). In the absence of the emperor's eldest son, presto passes to the emperor's eldest grandson. In the absence of the eldest son and eldest grandson of the emperor, the throne passes to his next son and further in the same order, according to the above (3). The legitimate sons and grandsons of the emperor inherit the throne in the first place, and the sons and grandchildren of the illegitimate line inherit the throne only in cases where there are no legitimate sons and grandsons of the emperor (4). In the absence of the emperor and grandchildren, the emperor's brothers and their sons and grandsons will inherit the throne (5). Only persons of the blood emperor of the lineage can inherit the emperor's throne (10).
The third document was the Law on Ensuring the Rights of Citizens. "The Emperor of Manchukuo Di-Guo ensures the freedom and rights of the people and, with the exception of wartime and extraordinary events, establishes his duties on the following grounds, without any derogation," said the introduction to this Law.
"Citizens of the Manchu Empire enjoy personal immunity," said his first article. "Restrictions on freedom by the authorities are permissible only on the basis of the law."
How "freedom and the rights of the people" were ensured is evident from the numerous examples given in the book.
Based on the supreme power, His Majesty the Emperor personally manages the celebrations in the state, as stated in the Law on the Organization of the State.
In the Empire of Manchukuo, official large, medium and small holidays were approved.
Big Holidays
were of two types: fixed forever, that is, permanent holidays and extraordinary holidays.
Day of the divine progenitor of Japan Amaterasu-Oomikami - July 15 (the last two holidays were sometimes referred to as middle holidays).
Extraordinary festivals were established on days of major historical events as well as temple renovations.
Middle Holidays .
The birthday of the now happily reigning His Majesty the Emperor of Manchuku-Di-Kuo is February 6;
Small Holidays .
15th day of each month to commemorate the establishment of the Temple of the Founding of the State;
The new emperor especially liked to make "imperial visits" and "imperial detour of the possessions" of Manchuria, which he made by order of the leadership of the Kwantung Army once or twice a year, leaving his capital Xinjing. Four times a year, Pu Yi participated in established ceremonies: once in a ceremony held at the monument Zhongling (Chureito - in Japanese) ("betrayed souls"), in honor of Japanese soldiers and officers who died in an aggressive war; the second time - in a ceremony held in the temple Jianguo in honor of dead soldiers and officers of the Manchukuo puppet army; the third time was when the birthday of the Japanese emperor was celebrated at the headquarters of the Kwantung Army. This holiday was called “ tianchang ". And finally, for the fourth time - during the annual meeting at the Assistance Society.
The imperial trips were arranged as follows. On the eve of the emperor's departure from the palace, the gendarmerie and the Changchun police for preventive purposes made arrests of "suspicious elements and vagabonds", allegedly interfering with the imperial inspection. On the second day, the police and troops were stationed along the road along which the motorcade was supposed to pass. They stood with their backs to the procession from both sides of the street and made sure that people did not walk down the street, did not leave houses and shops, did not look out the windows .. Before Pu Yi left the palace, a radio station in Chinese and japanese broadcast throughout the city: "His Imperial Majesty is leaving the palace."
The so-called "small imperial exit" was headed by a police car for special purposes, at some distance from it was an open red car with a small flag, in which the chief police inspector was sitting. Then came the emperor's bright red car, accompanied by two motorcyclists on each side. At the rear of the imperial cortege were many cars that accompanied the Son of Heaven and his personal guards.
All ceremonies were copied from the Japanese imperial house.
If the emperor went to the Kio-Va-Kai society to read the next "decree" to the people, or to some special jubilee celebrations and anniversaries, then the road in front of the building of the Assistance Society and its courtyard were sprinkled with yellow sand. At this time, employees of the society had to leave their places and go out into the street. The prime minister, who was also president of Kio-Wa-Kai, with all the numerous officials of the first rank lined up at the exit to meet the emperor. When Pu Yi drove by everyone bowed low. The orchestra played the "national anthem" of Manchukuo. The emperor entered the hall, rested for a while, then received the ministers. Next to Pu Yi on both sides stood the Minister of Internal Affairs, the military attaché, the head of the security, the personal secretary of Emperor Yoshioka, the master of ceremonies and others. Tables and chairs, tablecloths and everything else were brought in advance from the palace; everything had a special imperial coat of arms in the form of an orchid. The prime minister with all high-ranking officials took turns saluting the emperor and leaving. After such a procedure, accompanied by loud music, Pu Yi left the rest room, entered the assembly hall and walked right onto the stage. At this time, all those present in the hall were to bow in a low bow. The commander of the Kwantung Army, standing in the corner of the stage, bowed to the emperor, the latter nodding his head in response. Climbing on the stage, Pu Yi bowed to the side of the hall and only after that everyone could straighten up. Then the emperor read out the "decree" presented by the Minister of Internal Affairs. At the same time, everyone in the hall had to stand with their heads down, without raising their eyes from the floor. After reading the decree, the emperor left the hall, accompanied by music and low bows, into the rest room. Meanwhile, officials on special assignments lined up at the exit, preparing to see the emperor off. When Pu Yi was leaving the building, the loudspeakers in the streets in two languages \u200b\u200bannounced: "His Imperial Majesty is returning to the palace." After his return, the radio station broadcast again: "His Imperial Majesty arrived safely at the palace."
In Manchukuo, the cult of the emperor was actively implanted.
The imperial portrait was supposed to hang in every institution, school, military and other organizations at a certain place. For example, in government agencies - in the meeting room, in schools - in the director's office, a kind of altar was arranged, which was fenced off with a curtain, behind it hung a portrait of Pu Yi and a manifesto (As it reminds the People's Republic of China of the period of the "cultural revolution", when every department, every citizen of the country must was to have a portrait of Mao Zedong, and the newlyweds before the wedding had to bow a few bows to the portrait or bust of Chairman Mao, and proclaim him a health resort at 10 thousand years old, as once close to the Chinese emperor). Everyone who entered this room had to bow to the side of the portrait of the emperor. In private houses, although there was no special order that it was necessary to hang a portrait of the emperor, but Kio-Wa-Kai without fail distributed a photograph in which the emperor was taken from Wan Rong (at first Pu Yi's photo was called an "imperial image", then this name was replaced with a more euphonious and familiar for the Japanese, the middle between the Japanese and Chinese words "true portrait of the emperor").
In the army and in schools, it came to idolatry: every morning on the line they made two "bows from afar": one bow - in the direction of the East, where the "emperor's dwelling" was located (that is, in Tokyo); the other - in the direction of the city of Changchun, where the palace of the "Emperor Manchukuo" was.
All students of Manchu schools were required to memorize Pu Yi's manifestos (fortunately, there were six such manifestos in total: the Accession to the Throne Manifesto of March 1, 1934; The Manifesto of Instruction to the People on the Occasion of the Emperor's Return (from Japan - V.U.) dated May 2, 1935; Manifesto for the Strengthening of the Foundations of Nations of July 15, 1940; manifesto about current situation December 8, 1941; Manifesto on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the founding of the state on March 1, 1942 (later this manifesto was replaced by the accession manifesto); The manifesto of abdication of the throne of August 15, 1945, which has never been read to anyone aloud. Schoolchildren, students, soldiers had to know the manifestos by heart, and if they forgot the text or made mistakes, they were punished. On the anniversary of the promulgation of certain manifestos, rallies were held in all schools, institutions, and military units, at which the text of the manifesto was read. (And during the period of the "cultural revolution" the entire adult population should have known the sayings of Mao Zedong from his red "quotation book", and when the "new instruction of Mao" was published, regular meetings were held).
For example, in schools this ceremony took place like this. All teachers and schoolchildren were solemnly lining up in front of the podium: teachers in front, and schoolchildren behind them. Then the head of the educational and educational work school, holding a manifesto high above their heads, wrapped in a piece of yellow cloth. Those present bowed in respectful obeisances. The headmaster went up to the podium, put the bundle on the table, then unfolded it, opened the yellow wooden box, took out the manifesto scroll and handed it to the school principal. The latter, also in white gloves, accepted the package and, addressing everyone at the ceremony, began to read.
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manchukuo
MANZHOU-GO (Manchurian state) in 1932-45 a puppet state created by the Japanese imperialists in the North-East. China - Manchuria. In August 1945, the Soviet Army liberated the North-East. China from the Japanese occupation, which ended the existence of Manchukuo.
Manchukuo
(Manchurian state), a puppet state created by the Japanese imperialists on the territory of Northeast China - Manchuria and existed from March 1932 to August 1945. It was subjected to colonial exploitation and was used as a military base for aggression against the rest of China, the USSR and the Mongolian People's Republic. The territory of M.-G. ≈ over 1 million km2. The population is about 30 million people. The capital is the city of Changchun, renamed Xinjing ("New Capital"). On the night of September 18-19, 1931, Japan, provocatively accusing the Chinese of destroying the South Manchurian Railway that belonged to it in the Shenyang (Mukden) area, brought troops into the territory of Northeast China. The Chinese troops, carrying out the order of the Kuomintang government, did not offer resistance. As a result, Japan within several months almost unhindered seized the entire territory of the three northeastern provinces of China (in 1934 also the province of Rehe) and created a puppet administration there, which proclaimed in March 1932 the creation of an "independent" M.-G. The supreme ruler ("ruler-regent") M.-G. became the last emperor of the Manchu Qing dynasty (ruled in China from 1644-1911; formal abdication from the throne ≈ February 1912) Pu Yi, associated with Japanese intelligence. On March 1, 1934, he was proclaimed emperor of M.-G. In all the affairs of M.-g. in fact, they were led by Japanese advisers and officials who held most of the responsible posts. An important role in the indoctrination of the population was played by the Sehehoi society ("The Society of Concord") they created, which intensively promoted the ideas of "Japan's great mission in Asia." In M.-G. a military-police regime was established. During the occupation of northeastern China, the Japanese militarists increased the number of the Kwantung Army in Moscow from 12,000 to 780,000 (the army of the puppet state was increased to 170,000), created a system of fortified areas on the border with the USSR , built a network of strategic highways and railways, airfields and other military facilities. From the territory of M.-G. During 1933-1939 Japan repeatedly staged military provocations against the USSR and the Mongolian People's Republic, including major provocations in 1938 in the area of \u200b\u200bLake Khasan and in 1939 in the area of \u200b\u200bthe Khalkhin-Gol River. She plundered the natural wealth of Northeast China, created various enterprises for the extraction and processing of natural raw materials, the production of iron, steel, synthetic fuel for its military needs. A low-cost agricultural supply system and labor service were introduced. The best lands were transferred to Japanese colonists. The brutal exploitation and police order met with resistance from the local population. Since 1932, numerous partisan detachments have operated, which in 1935 were combined into the North-Eastern United Anti-Japanese Army, led by the Chinese Communists. However, by 1941, most partisan detachments was defeated by the Japanese. Korean partisan detachments also operated in areas bordering Korea. In August 1945, at the final stage of World War II (1939--45), Northeastern China was liberated from the Japanese invaders. Soviet Army, which put an end to the existence of M.-g. Literature: Sapozhnikov B.G., The Japanese-Chinese War and Japan's colonial policy in China (1937-194
M., 1970; Pu Yi, The first half of my life, translated from Chinese, M., 1968.
V.P. Ilyushechkin.
Wikipedia
Manchukuo
Manchzhou-go, Manchuria (, State of Manchuria - a puppet state formed by the Japanese military administration in the territory of Manchuria occupied by Japan; existed from March 1, 1932 to August 19, 1945. Bordered on the Japanese Empire, Mongolia, the USSR, Mengjiang and the Republic of China.
Capital - Xinjing; the last Chinese emperor (from the Manchu Qing dynasty) Pu Yi (the supreme ruler in 1932-1934, the emperor from 1934 to 1945) was put at the head of the state.
In fact, Manchukuo was controlled by Japan and entirely followed in line with its policy. In 1939 g. military establishment Manchukuo took part in the battles on the Khalkhin-Gol River. During the Soviet-Japanese war, Manchukuo ceased to exist. On August 19, 1945, Emperor Pu Yi was captured in the building of Fengtian airport by the Red Army paratroopers. In 1949, the territory of Manchukuo became part of the PRC.
Examples of the use of the word Manchukuo in literature.
The provocative actions of the Japanese military were accompanied by a loud campaign in the Japanese press and Manchukuodirected against the Mongolian People's Republic and the Soviet Union.
There was the palace of the puppet emperor Manchukuo, a protégé of the Japanese, Henry Pu I.
Manchzhou-guo, Manchuria (Chinese 滿洲 國 - State of Manchuria, Chinese 大 滿洲 帝國 - "Damanchou-digo" (Great Manchurian Empire)), a puppet state (empire) formed by the Japanese military administration on the territory of Manchuria occupied by Japan; existed from March 9, 1932 to August 19, 1945.
Capital - Xinjing (now Changchun); the last Chinese emperor (from the Manchu Qing dynasty) Pu Yi (Supreme ruler in 1932-1934, emperor from 1934 to 1945) was put at the head of the state.
The League of Nations refused to recognize Manchukuo, which led Japan to secede from the organization in 1934. At the same time, Manchukuo was recognized by 23 of the 80 states that existed at that time in the world.
In fact, Manchukuo was controlled by Japan and entirely followed in line with its policy. In 1939, the armed forces of Manchukuo took part in the battles on the Khalkhin-Gol River (in Japanese historiography - "The incident at Nomonhan"). During the Soviet-Japanese war, Manchukuo ceased to exist. On August 19, 1945, Emperor Pu Yi was captured in the building of Mukden airport by the Red Army paratroopers. In 1949, the territory of Manchukuo became part of the PRC.
WIKI
I can not resist reposting this material here (a lot of photos):
Pu Yi: The Life of an Emperor
The emergence of Manchukuo - Territory and administrative structure - International recognition - Oath of Pu Yi - Emperor of the Great Manchu Empire - Peaceful fate of Zaifeng - Japanese tutelage - Visits to Japan
New visit to Japan - Establishment of the Amaterasu cult in Manchukuo - Economic growth and public holidays -
"Parent Country" - Second World War - The Kwantung Army and the Beginning of the End
Japan took over the territory of Manchuria in 1931. Pu Yi was 25 years old at the time. On the initiative of the Fourth Division of the Kwantung Army, the All-Manchu Assembly was held on February 23, 1932, which proclaimed the independence of Northeast China. A new state appeared - Manchukuo (滿洲 國).
It was a fairly large power with an area of \u200b\u200b1,165,000 square meters. km. By modern standards, it would be the twenty-sixth largest in the world - between South Africa and Colombia. The population of Manchukuo was 30 million. Administratively, the country was divided into anto - an old Manchu administrative-territorial unit, similar to a province. In 1932, Manchukuo consisted of five antos, as was the case during the Qing dynasty. In 1941, a reform was carried out and the number of antos increased to nineteen. Antos were divided into prefectures.
Also in the structure of Manchukuo there was a special region of Peiman and two special cities - Xinjin (Changchun, the capital of the country) and Harbin. Peiman enjoyed the status of a special region from July 1, 1933 to January 1, 1936. Harbin eventually became part of Binjiang Province.
Henry Pu Yi is the ruler of Manchukuo. 1932 year.
The League of Nations, on the basis of a Commission Report led by Victor Bulwer-Lytton, determined that Manchuria still remains an integral part of China, and refused to recognize the new state, which led to the exit of the Great Japanese Empire or the League. Meanwhile, individual states recognized Manchukuo and established diplomatic relations with the Empire. These powers in different years included El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, the USSR (since March 1933, the consulate of Manchuku-Di-Go worked in Chita), Italy, Spain, Germany, Hungary. After the outbreak of World War II, Manchukuo was recognized by Slovakia, France, Romania, Bulgaria, Finland, Denmark, Croatia, Wang Jingwei's Chinese regime, Thailand and the Philippines. It is widely believed that the Vatican also established diplomatic ties with Manchukuo, but this is a delusion. Bishop Auguste Gaspe was indeed appointed ad tempus representative of the Holy See and the Catholic Mission to the Government of Manchukuo, but the appointment took place through the De Propaganda Fide Congregation, not the State Secretariat of the Holy See, and Bishop Gaspe did not have diplomatic powers in answering only for missionary work.
Henry Pu Yi, ruler of Manchukuo
Pu Yi ruler of Manchukuo with members of the government. To the right of Pu Yi is Zheng Xiaoxu, the first prime minister of Manchukuo.
Shortly before the creation of Manchukuo, Pu Yi took an oath during the ceremony of worshiping ancestors during the sacrifice:
“It is hard for twenty years to look at the calamities experienced by the people, and to be powerless to help them. Now, when the people of the three northeastern provinces are supporting me and a friendly power is helping me, the situation in the country is forcing me to accept responsibility and defend the state. When starting any business, one cannot know in advance whether it will be successful.
But I remember examples of sovereigns who in the past had to restore their throne. For example, the Jin prince Wengong defeated the Qin prince Mugong, the Han emperor Guan Wudi overthrew the Genshi emperor, the founder of the Shu state defeated Liu Piao and Yuanynao, the founder of the Ming dynasty defeated Han Lin'er. All of them had to resort to outside help to fulfill their great mission. Now, covered with shame, I wish to take on a great responsibility and continue a great cause, no matter how difficult it may be. I want to give all my strength to surely save the people, and I will act very carefully.
Before the graves of my ancestors, I sincerely speak about my desires and ask them for protection and help. "
(Based on the book "The Last Emperor", Moscow, Vagrius 2006)
Pu Yi (center), Pu Jie, brother former emperor (left) and Rong Qi, friend of Pu Yi, in Changchun
When Pu Yi learned that the Japanese saw him as the head of a new state, he agreed to their proposal. His goal was to restore the lost heritage of his ancestors. However, on March 9, 1932, he received from the Emperor of Japan only the title Supreme ruler Manchuria (in fact - the Japanese governor) with the motto of the Datong (大同) reign, which was for him, not only the legitimate heir to the Dragon throne, but also the descendant of Nurhatsi and Abahai, the creators of Manchukuo, unifiers of the Jurchen tribes, a deep disappointment.
Ruler of Manchukuo Pu Yi during a visit to Japan.
Pu Yi the day before the coronation
... Fifth from left is General Hishikari Takashi, commander of the Kwantung Army. 1934 year.
Pu Yi at the accession to the throne
Pu Yi at the accession to the throne
Later, in 1934, the Japanese finally agreed to accept Pu Yi the title of Emperor of Manchukuo, or rather Da-Manchuku-Di-Guo (大 滿洲 帝國), the Great Manchu Empire. In the early morning of March 1, 1934, the ancient ceremony of the emperor's accession to the throne took place in Xinuatsun, a suburb of the Manchuo-Guo capital Changchun (later renamed Xinjing - "New Capital"). Then, donning the uniform of the Generalissimo, Pu Yi went to Changchun, where another coronation took place. Pu Yi assumed the throne name and motto of the Kande (康德) reign. With all the splendor of the title of Emperor of the Great Manchu Empire, everyone understood the puppetness of the newly made emperor, who had no real political power. The Japanese planned to use Pu Yi as an agent of influence against China. For fourteen years, from 1932 to 1945, Pu Yi was the puppet ruler of Manchukuo, completely subservient to Japan. Pu Yi really did not have his own power. Its ministers only reported the state of affairs to their Japanese deputies, who exercised the real management of the ministries. They never came to Pu Yi with reports. Lieutenant General of the Japanese Army Yoshioka Yasunori, who owned chinese, became an attaché at the imperial court and an adviser to the Kwantung Army. He was constantly with the emperor, controlling his every step.
Solemn vestment of the Manchukuo Emperor Pu Yi Kande
Manifesto of Emperor Kangde on the accession to the throne of Manchukuo, March 1, 1934
I must say that the father of Pu Yi Second Grand Duke Chun Zaifeng was initially opposed to the Japanese proposal and did not support the idea of \u200b\u200bcreating Manchukuo. After the Xinhai Revolution, Zaifeng lived in Beijing, in his Northern Palace. China's new leaders appreciated his prudence and peaceful relinquishment of power, and Zaifeng lived peacefully in peace, surrounded by respect. In 1928, Zaifeng moved to Tianjin, where he lived in the British and Japanese concessions, but after a devastating flood, the former Prince Chun returned to Beijing.
During Pu Yi's reign in the Manchu Empire, Zaifeng paid his son three visits, but refused to stay in the new country. After 1949, when the communists came to power in China, nothing much changed for Zaifeng again. Unless, in order to overcome financial difficulties, the Northern Palace had to be sold to the government. Then, in gratitude for good relationshipZaifeng donated his library and art collection to Peking University. Zaifeng did a lot of charity work, to the best of his ability he participated in public life. Died on February 3, 1951 in Beijing.
Pu Yi Kande - Emperor of Manchukuo in the form of a generalissimo
An autographed photo of Emperor Pu Yi Kande
Empress Wan Rong after an audience with the Japanese Prince Chichibu, brother of Emperor Hirohito, at which the Empress was presented with the Emperor of Japan award.
As for Manchuku-Di-Kuo, the actual power here was in the hands of the commander of the Kwantung Army, who simultaneously acted as ambassador japanese Emperor at the court of Emperor Kande. It was the Japanese commander who made all the most important state decisions, and the Manchuku-Di-Kuo army was subordinate to him. The only guarantor of the country's independence was the Japanese Kwantung Army. From 1932 to 1945, six people replaced each other in the posts of the commander of the Kwantung Army and the Japanese ambassador to Emperor Kande.
From August 8, 1932 to July 27, 1933, Field Marshal Baron Muto Nobuyoshi commanded the Kwantung Army.
From July 29, 1933 to December 10, 1934 - General Hishikari Takashi.
From December 10, 1934 to March 6, 1936 - General Hiro Minami.
From March 6, 1936 to September 7, 1939 - General Kenkichi Ueda.
From September 7, 1939 to July 18, 1944 - Umezu Yoshijira.
And from July 18, 1944 to August 11, 1945 - General Yamata Otozo.
Henry Pu Yi Kande - Emperor of Manchukuo
Emperor Aishingioro Pu Yi Kande
Emperor Aishingioro Pu Yi Kande
In April 1935, Pu Yi visited Japan as Emperor of Manchukuo. The fact is that the emperor of Japan sent his brother with congratulations on the occasion of Pu Yi's accession to the throne. And the command of the Kwantung Army recommended Pu Yi to pay a return visit to Tokyo in gratitude. Pu Yi met with Emperor Hirohito, participated in various ceremonies, watched the teachings naval forces Japan. Prior to this, Pu Yi traveled to Japan in 1934 when he was introduced to the Dowager Empress. With her, the emperor of Manchukuo maintained constant contact throughout his reign, a warm, trusting relationship was established between them, they constantly exchanged letters.
Emperor Pu Yi Kande with Emperor Hirohito of Japan during a visit to Japan. April 1935.
Emperor Pu Yi Kande with Emperor Hirohito of Japan during a visit to Japan. April 9, 1935.
Henry Pu Yi Kande - Emperor of Manchukuo, on the cover of Time Weekly
Pu Yi's second visit to Japan as Emperor of Manchukuo took place in May 1940. This trip only lasted eight days. During this visit, Pu Yi received the official consent of the Emperor of Japan to introduce the cult of the Japanese goddess-progenitor Amaterasu Omikami into Manchukuo. Upon his return to Changchun, Pu Yi ordered to build a Temple for strengthening the foundations of the nation near his palace, in which the cult of Amaterasu Omikami went. The specially established Chamber of Worship was headed by the former chief of staff of the Kwantung Army Hashimoto Toranosuke. Sacrifices were made every month, on the first and on the fifteenth, with the participation of the emperor, senior officials and the command of the Kwantung Army. On July 15, 1940, the cult of the Shinto deity was officially approved in Manchukuo by the manifesto of Emperor Kande "On the strengthening of the foundations of the nation."
Emperor Pu Yi Kande at the Tokyo station with Emperor Hirohito. May 1940.
Emperor Pu Yi Kande. Solemn temple ceremony.<
Emperor Pu Yi Kande meets Prince Takamatsu, brother of Emperor Hirohito of Japan, during the celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of his accession to the throne.
Emperor Pu Yi Kande. Rain.
Emperor Pu Yi Kande with Lieutenant General Chu Kudo, Chamberlain of the Court and Imperial Adjutant. 1940s.
The indigenous population of Manchukuo reacted with hostility to the new foreign cult. The emperor himself admitted in his memoirs that before each sacrifice he performed a ritual of worshiping ancestors and mentally told himself that he would bow not to Amaterasu, but to the Beijing Kunningun Palace.
Emperor of Manchukuo Standard
National flag of Manchukuo
State emblem of Manchukuo
State seals of the Emperor Pu Yi
National Anthem of Manchukuo.
Meanwhile, cooperation with Japan has brought positive results. Thanks to Japanese investments in Manchukuo, agriculture and heavy industry developed rapidly, and the production of iron ore and coal increased. The indicators of steel and iron smelting went up.
Public holidays in Manchukuo were announced: March 1 - Founding Day of Manchukuo; February 7 - Emperor's birthday; April 20 - Day of prayers for the harvest; January 1 - New Year; July 15 - Day of the goddess-progenitor Amaterasu Omikami.
Imperial Guard of Manchukuo
View of the main street of Changchun during the Manchukuo era
Manchukuo State Council Building. 1939 year.
Manchukuo Central Bank Building. 1939 year.
Manchukuo Telegraph and Telephone Company
Manchukuo Coal Industry Company
Xinjing (Changchun) First Hospital
Naturally, Manchukuo was forced to conclude an alliance with Japan. Moreover, the Japanese insisted that the Manchu documents and official publications call Japan not an ally, but the "parent country" of Manchukuo. Pu Yi was forced to support Japan in the war against China since 1937 and in the war against the United States and Britain that began in 1941. Manchukuo regularly declared war on the countries with which Japan was at war. In 1939, Manchukuo joined the Anti-Commintern Pact concluded by Japan, Italy and Germany in 1936.
Manchukuo postage stamp
Manchukuo Map (3.35 MB Chinese)
Government of Manchukuo (photo taken before 1942):
First row, from left to right: Yu Zhishan (于 芷 山), Minister of War; Xie Jishi (谢 介 石), ambassador to the Great Japanese Empire; Xi Qia (熙 洽), Head of the Imperial Court Administration;
Zhang Jinghui (张景惠), Prime Minister Zang Shii (臧 式 毅), President of the Senate; Lu Ronghuan (吕荣寰), Minister of Civil Affairs.
Second row, from left to right: Ding Jianxiu (丁 鉴 修), Minister of Industry; Li Shaogen (李绍庚), Minister of Transportation Yuan Jinkai (袁 金 铠), Minister of the Court; Ruan Zhendo (阮 振 铎), Minister of Education Zhang Yanqing (张燕卿), Minister of Foreign Affairs.
During the reign of Pu Yi in Manchuria, the Japanese forced Pu Jie's brother, who was studying at a Japanese military school, to marry a Japanese woman, Mrs. Saga Hiro. Pu Yi was also offered to marry a Japanese woman, but he suspected that they wanted to put a spy on him under the guise of a wife, and in 1937 he took his second wife, a Manchu girl named Tan Yu-Ling (谭玉龄, 1920-1942), that means "Jade Years". However, Tan Yu-Ling died five years after the wedding, and Pu Yi blamed the Japanese for poisoning her. As happened before in the Forbidden City, the Japanese gave the emperor photographs of several girls, and in 1943 Pu Yi remarried a Manchu girl who was brought up in a Japanese school. Her name was Li Yuqin (李玉琴, 1928 - 2001), meaning "Jade Lute". The emperor had not lived with her since the abdication of the throne of Manchukuo, but they officially divorced only in 1958.
Tan Yu-Ling, consort of the emperor
Li Yuqin, consort of the emperor
Brother of Emperor Pu Jie and his Japanese consort Saga Hiro
In the last years of his reign, despite the fact that the traditional religion of the emperors of the Qing dynasty was Confucianism, Pu Yi began to lean towards Buddhism. During this period he became a staunch vegetarian; in the spirit of the Buddha's teachings, he forbade killing any living creatures in the palace, even mice and flies. Pu Yi, removed from public affairs by the Japanese, fell into mysticism, carried away by fortune-telling and meditation, during which it was forbidden to make noise in the palace. Exhausted by his own position as a hostage, deprived of power, feeling an impending catastrophe, Pu Yi gradually turned into a domestic tyrant. Physical punishment of servants became the norm at the imperial palace in Changchun. When one of the boy-servants, who tried to escape from the palace, was caught and died of beatings, Pu Yi was only afraid that the soul of the murdered man might not find rest and begin to take revenge on him. Several days were devoted to prayers for the repose of the soul of the deceased servant. So lived Pu Yi, the Emperor of Manchukuo, deprived of power, protected by the Japanese authorities from the outside world. Over time, the command of the Kwantung Army was no longer up to the Manchu emperor. The martial situation of the Kwantung Army in the war with the USSR was becoming more difficult every day.
Media materials:
- A video about the palace of the Manchukuo Emperor in Changchun.
- Manchukuo. 1938 documentary.
On March 1, 1932, the formation of the "independent" Manchurian state - Manchukuo was officially announced. Maria Molchanova understands how this event changed the state of affairs in the Far East and why the League of Nations did not stop the unfolding Japanese aggression.
Part of the territory of northeastern China, Manchuria, already at the end of the 19th century became the object of political conflicts of foreign states, claiming dominance in this area. The Russian government, having concluded an agreement on a military alliance with China in 1896 and signed a contract for the construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway (CER) through Northern Manchuria, secured Port Arthur and Dalny (Dairen) to itself, and after the suppression of the Ihetuan uprising in Beijing in 1900 established North China as its sphere of influence.
The Shimonoseki Peace Treaty of 1895, which ended China's unsuccessful war with Japan and designated Japan's entry into the international community as an equal partner, expanded Japanese political and economic influence in the country.
The clash of interests in the region led to the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905, as a result of which Southern Manchuria with all the "rights" and "interests" of Russia, that is, the lease of Quantun, the southern branch of the CER from Dairen to Changchun and Russian-made enterprises, passed to to the Japanese. From the very end of the Russo-Japanese War, the demands of "national defense" and economic interests have emphasized the fact that Japan has extremely important rights to the territory of Manchuria.
Russian troops retreat from Mukden in 1905
The situation in Manchuria worsened significantly for Japan in the winter of 1928, when on December 29 Zhang Xuelyang announced the annexation of the three eastern provinces to the Nanking government. And although the political influence of the Kuomintang in northeastern China was small, the Kuomintang conducted intensive agitation against foreign powers, especially Japan. Therefore, the leadership of the Kwantung Army came to the conclusion already in March that the Manchu-Mongol problem could be solved only by subordinating these territories to Japan.
Since the end of the Russo-Japanese War, Japan claimed Manchuria
The international situation favored Japan's plans. There was an internal war in China, the Peking government opposed the Southern government, the Peiyang military group - the Southern revolutionary government. In Manchuria, there were groups seeking to restore the Qing dynasty, fighting to preserve the borders and tranquility on their territory, for the independence of Mongolia.
Soldiers of the Kwantung Army
The occupation of Manchuria in September 1931 was preceded by a series of "incidents" methodically carried out by the Japanese army, reasons for unleashing military aggression. The largest Japanese provocation, dubbed the Manchu incident, took place on September 18, 1931. In accordance with a previously developed plan, Japanese troops located in the YMZD zone moved deep into Chinese territory and occupied Mukden.
Within 5 days, the Japanese garrison, without encountering significant resistance from the Chinese army, occupied the main cities in the YMRD region: Andong, Mukden, Changchun, Fushun, Kuangchengzi station, Jirin. Given that it was not possible to prevent the occupation by force, Chiang Kai-shek ordered Zhang Xuenyan to pursue a policy of "non-resistance" to the Japanese army.
The occupation of Manchuria was preceded by a series of Japanese military provocations
On September 21, the Chinese government turned to the League of Nations with hopethat it will rule in China's favor, and with the help of international pressure it will be possible drive out Japanese troops from Manchuria. The Japanese occupation was the first major test of the collective security system for which the League of Nations was created. The United States was not a member of the League, and England was interested in maintaining friendly relations with Japan, which was still nominally an allied power. At the same time, British diplomacy pursued a policy aimed at maintaining friendly relations with Chiang Kai-shek, which caused difficulties in general. John Simon, British Foreign Secretary, informed the Cabinet that Japan has the right to send troops to China. The USSR officially condemned the Japanese occupation of South Manchuria, but the Soviet government did not want to aggravate the conflict and resort to open confrontation as long as the Japanese army was outside the zone of the Chinese Eastern Railway.
The entry of the Japanese army into Harbin
On February 29, 1932, at the direction of the fourth department of the Kwantung Army headquarters in Mukden, the All-Manchurian Joint State Establishment Congress convened. It decided to form a "state" of Manchukuo on the territory of Manchuria and to appoint Pu Yi as its supreme ruler. The flag of Manchukuo was elected the standard of the Qing Empire (yellow field with red, blue, white and black stripes), the era of reign was named Datong (great prosperity), the capital was the city of Changchun, renamed Xinjing (new capital).
Japanese occupation tested the League of Nations for inefficiency
On March 1, 1932, the "Declaration on the Formation of Manchukuo" was published, which stated that the purpose of creating a state was the welfare of the people. The Japanese government sent a note to the League of Nations stating that "all the changes that have taken place in the structure of the Manchu administration are the result of the actions of the local population." In fact, the creation of the new state was not accompanied by any referendum or other form of expression of the will of the people.
Pu Yi, ruler of Manchukuo, with members of the government. To the right of Pu Yi is Zheng Xiaoxu, First Prime Minister of Manchukuo
On March 1, 1934, Manchukuo was officially proclaimed a monarchy headed by Pu I. The new state was recognized de jure by Japan's allies in the "Anti-Comintern Pact". On November 1, 1937, the regime in Manchuria was recognized by Italy. Despite the existence of trade relations with Manchuria, Hitlerite Germany for a long time refrained from recognizing the pro-Japanese regime in this region, explaining that it was impossible to "give Japan a gift without receiving something in return." Formal recognition took place only on February 20, 1938.
De facto Manchukuo recognized the USSR. Thus, Soviet diplomacy hoped to ensure the safety of state property and the safety of Soviet citizens, to achieve a resolution of issues related to the establishment of uninterrupted navigation on border rivers. In addition, the Chinese Eastern Railway passed through the territory of Manchukuo. However, in 1935, an agreement was signed on the sale of the Chinese Eastern Railway to Manchukuo, which is considered as a solution to one of the most important Far Eastern problems and at the same time as the largest positive event in the development of Soviet-Japanese relations.
An autographed photo of Emperor Pu Yi
The occupation of Manchuria by Japanese troops significantly worsened the strategic situation for the Mongolian People's Republic (MPR). China did not recognize the independence of Outer Mongolia and considered it part of its territory. Japan did not recognize Mongolian independence either. Tokyo's idea was to unite the Mongolian People's Republic with the Chinese provinces of Inner Mongolia into another puppet state called Mongolo Guo, modeled on Manchukuo. The ultimate goal of these transformations was seen as the formation of a single "Manchu-Mongol empire", that is, the return of Outer Mongolia to the rule of Manchu rulers, as it was from the end of the 18th to the beginning of the 20th century. This formation was to become the new mainland possession of Japan.
Map of the Pacific Region in November 1941
In conditions of growing tension in connection with the Japanese aggression in China, the border zone of Mongolia and Manchuria turned into a place of constant clashes between the units of the opposing sides, and this process was reciprocal, and it was almost impossible to establish the initial guilt of one side or the other. Under these conditions, the most realistic policy for preserving statehood and maintaining the national security of the MPR was further military-political and economic rapprochement with the USSR.
Japan sought to extend its hegemony throughout China
On November 27, 1934, the parties agreed to conclude a gentlemen's agreement, which provided for support and assistance, including military, in the event of an attack on one of the contracting parties. In March 1936, the Soviet-Mongolian protocol on mutual assistance was signed in Ulan Bator. The next phase was the direct Mongol-Japanese armed conflict, which developed since 1932 with mutual invasions both into the territory of the MPR and into the territory of Manchukuo. The hostilities on Khalkhin Gol, which took place from mid-May to September 16, 1939, ended in complete defeat of the Japanese-Manchu side.
Fights on Khalkhin Gol
The occupation of Manchuria and the creation of the puppet state of Manchukuo on its territory were important steps in strengthening Japan's strategic positions on the Asian mainland. By 1938, most of the industrialized regions of China were under Japanese control. In this situation, on November 3, 1938, the Konoe government issued an official statement, signed by the emperor, stating that at this stage Japan's task was to establish "a new order in East Asia."
Japan sought to extend to the whole of China the form of exercising its domination, found in the process of creating Manchukuo and successfully applied in practice. This meant an attempt to establish Japanese economic and political hegemony throughout China and to demand recognition of such a position by other powers.
Celebrating the tenth anniversary of the founding of Manchukuo
With the outbreak of the Pacific War on December 22, the Emergency Economic Policy Program was adopted, which included increasing the efficiency of the controlled economy, reducing the flow of goods from Japan, and increasing Japan's production and supply of raw materials to thereby contribute to the war.
In general, Japan made an attempt to create a state with all the attributes of a sovereign state, based on the idea of \u200b\u200b"informal imperialism". Nevertheless, it was absolutely obvious that Manchukuo did not play an independent role either in the international arena or in its internal affairs, and steadily followed the political course of the metropolis.
Manchukuo or Manchu state, created by the Japanese on the territory of Northeast China. It did not last long - from March 1932 to August 1945. Manchuria was used by the invaders as a military base for aggression against the Soviet Union, China and the Mongolian People's Republic (MPR). The territory of Manchuria was over a million square kilometers, about 30 million people lived on it. The capital of the new state was the city of Chachuan, renamed by the invaders to Xinjing.
In 1931, on the night of September 18-19, Japan accused the Chinese of destroying the railroad it owned. The provocation allowed Japan to send troops to Northeast China. The troops of the Celestial Empire, carrying out the orders of the Kuomintang, did not offer any resistance.
As a result, Japan in a short time easily seized the territories of the three northeastern provinces of China (later, in 1934, it annexed the fourth province of Rehe). In the seized territories, militaristic Japan created a puppet administration and proclaimed the independence of Manchukuo.
The last emperor of the Qing dynasty, Pu Yi, became the regent or supreme ruler of Manchuria (his dynasty formally abdicated the throne in February 1912). He had good connections with Japanese intelligence.
On March 1, 1934, Pu Yi became Emperor of Manchukuo, but in reality Japanese advisers and officials were in charge of him. They occupied almost all the places in the administrative apparatus.
In Manchuria, the Sehehoi Society ("The Concord Society") was created to intensify propaganda processing of rivals. The society promoted the idea of \u200b\u200b"Japan's great mission in Asia." In the newly minted state, the Japanese established a military-police regime. The number of divisions of the Kwantung army during the occupation of Northeast China increased from 12 thousand to 780 thousand people, the Manchurian army proper was brought to 170 thousand. man. The Japanese and the inhabitants of Manchuria were engaged in strengthening the borders with the Soviet Union, developing infrastructure. A system of fortified areas with a network of highways and railways, airfields and various other military facilities was created on the borders with the USSR.
Japan has repeatedly used the territory of Manchuria for provocations against the MPR and the USSR. Including a major provocation near Lake Khasan in 1939. From the territory of the puppet state, militaristic Japan plundered the region of Northeast China. She created many enterprises for the processing of extracted raw materials: pig iron, steel, synthetic fuels. A system of cheap supplies of agricultural products has been introduced in Manchukuo. To reduce the cost of labor in the state there was labor service. The best lands went to the colonists. This exploitation and unjust division of land irritated the population and forced them to resist. Since 1932, a huge number of partisan detachments have been operating in Manchukuo. Later, in 1935, they formed the anti-Japanese army led by the Chinese communists. Unfortunately, most of the units were defeated by regular Japanese troops by 1941. In August 1945, the Soviet army managed to liberate Northeast China from Japanese invaders.