Privacy Invaded, Propaganda Initiated (New Year's, 1932-1933)

Our last post was of letters from Anna Bøg describing the arrival of the Japanese in Siuyen in mid-December, 1932, and their bombing of the immediate vicinity of the mission station on Christmas Eve, 1932. As the Japanese consolidated their control of Siuyen and the surrounding area, Anna Bøg continued to write private letters home to Denmark, and excerpts from the letters continued to be published in the missionary newspaper. Here are the excerpts for December 31, 1932 through January 16, 1933:

"December 31, 1932

"When I look back over the past year, I see that the Lord's grace has been great, and His help and kind hand can be seen throughout. The difficulties have been many, but the Lord has delivered us from all of them, so I can say with all my heart, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits". [Ps. 103:2.] I am happy in the new house. Not a day goes by when I am not thankful for it. The Japanese only billeted here for three days. On the morning of the fourth day, they moved out to locate the bandit gangs. Yesterday, some of the old soldiers surrendered themselves. Last night it was said that Cheng T'ieh Mei, the chieftain of the bandit gang from last summer, would come and burn down the town. We are still not entirely finished. The streets are nearly devoid of people and commerce is at a standstill.

"January 1, 1933

"Today is peaceful. At the beginning of the morning worship service there was next to no one, but then a few came along. Chou-Shu-Chen was baptized. She was so happy. Her response could be heard throughout the church. We could feel that it came from the heart. There have been three Japanese in our houses. They searched them from cellar to attic. When old Liu did not get the back door open fast enough, one pulled something out of his pocket that caused old Liu to make haste. Otherwise, there was nothing. They come here often and search, but what good does it do them?

"January 6, 1933

"Today, there are lots of people in the streets again, carts of firewood and small merchants. It is delightful to see people smile again. Everyone greets us so lovingly. May there again be a new and good time with doors and ears open for the Gospel.

"January 16, 1933

"Yesterday, on the fifteenth, there was a huge celebration in town. The streets were full of the new flag. The schools marched past in procession. Today, there was a meeting to which everyone was invited. The speakers came by airplane from Mukden. Even the governor came and spoke to the people. The congregation sent representatives. Then there were stilt-walkers and New Year's jesters in the street, all to encourage and comfort the populace. Yesterday, little Chou-Shu-Chen had to leave. Her No. 2 brother came after her. . . . But she was grateful because yesterday she had been along to Communion. Now she is surrounded on all sides by heathens."

Source:
Bøg-Madsen, Anna; "Uddrag af Privatbreve fra Frøken Bøg-Madsen," Dansk Missionsblad, March 15, 1933; Vol. 100, Nr. 11, p. 161. Translation by Betty Christensen.
D.M.S. materials used with permission.

Image:
Manchukuo propaganda poster from the Hoover Institution Archives Collection via Wikimedia Commons. May be copyright-protected. Fair use claimed here as it is not used for profit but to provide critical commentary on the event in question.
The caption reads, "With the cooperation of Japan, China, and Manchukuo, the world can be at peace."