Speech #780106299

But beware of the attitude of the peacock in our international relationships. The future world must respect the opinions of the half billion citizens of the Orient. The first Asiatic slap at the authority of the whites was the defeat of Russia by Japan in 1905. Respect for white "face" was lowered. It was increased by the presence in increasing numbers of British and American remittance men and neerdowells in the oriental countries. The fair treatment of the Filipinos by America was termed "race treachery" by the white imperialists of other countries. Japan. by her sudden rise to militaristic greatness. completed the loss of American "face" with her campaign of Asia for the Asiatics. This propaganda began years ago as part of Japans fight for her greater east Asia coprosperity sphere. Let us not underestimate the Nipponese in their propagandizing of the natives in captive countries. Japan is stressing in the Philippines. as in all Asiatic countries. the word which has meant little to orientals under white rule--"freedom." Japan places emphasis on our nationalistic tendencies and accuses us of imperialistic design. We are charged with having for 19 months forgotten the Filipinos because they are colored peoples and America is rushing all her troops to the aid of other white men in Europe. This poison is being circulated among men and women who saw their brothers and sons die while struggling to keep on high the flag we love.