[1967 R50/2]

Living in China, the use of the Atomic Bomb against Japan is always an intresting topic. Mainly in part, because no nation suffered more at the hands of the Japanese than China.

One colleague asked me: "Who do you think really won the 2nd World War: The Koumintang, the Communists, or America." Understand that for the Chinese, the 2nd World War means the war against Japan as Germany never really figured into it for them.

My response had to be well formulated. The Chinese war effort wasn't really too successful despite huge sacrifices which no other Allied nation endured. For sure the Chinese did most of the dying in the Pacific Theatre. And of course, they are very patriotic about their part in the war.


"Clearly, we all won."

Diplomatic, but his expression said this was really not a satisfactory answer.

"Well, for sure both the Chinese factions held down and destroyed a massive amount of Japanese resources and materials...so who knows how long the war would go on if that didn't happen..."

Better, but still not enough, so I add:

"...but two the two Atomic Bombs really put an end to it".

With this he was satisfied.

Many Chinese are still bitter that the Japanese have not apologized for the multitude of atrocities commited in China. Both China and Japan have cultures that are big on Mianze or "Face" and to admit you were wrong or apologize is sometimes no laughing matter. I sense, though that this apology is not forthcoming no matter how much the Chinese might wish it.

One Chinese collegaue asked me if Americans were also bitter that there was no apologies to the US. I replied:

"What does it matter? We won."