Because of the respect for Japan:
He expressed his approval for the Peace Treaty and then told the reason: Why do Asian people have interest in the freedom of Japan? It's because of the long-lasting relationship between Asian countries and the Asian peoples' respect for Japan. When most Asian people were under the rule of the superpowers and spent their slave-like days, Japan was the only Asian country that was strong and free, and was looked up to as a sort of a guardian or sworn friend.
The Great East Asian Co-prosperity Sphere, the slogan of Japan in WW2 was so attractive for slave-like people that some leaders of Burma, India and Indonesia thought that their countries could become independent from their colonial masters. So, those leaders joined their hands with Japan. I clearly remember these historical facts. Actually, the representatives from struggling countries, in order to get out of the rule of European superpowers, got together in Tokyo and the conference was held. Besides, Burma, India and Indonesia could have their own military supported by the Japanese Army and these militaries played a big role for their independence. The representative of Sri Lanka, J.R. Jayewardene, declared to waive the right to claim compensation quoting Buddha saying, "Animosity can be removed only by Love."
After his speech, shouts and applause of praise almost blew the glass of windows (San Francisco News). A dark-skinned, nice-looking diplomat came from Ceylon and preached loudly, modestly, and tolerantly between countries which were almost passed over, and lastly broke the plot of Russia by his smart and intensive theory (San Francisco Examiner).
Consequently, 49 countries (all but Russia, Poland and Czechoslovakia) signed the Peace Treaty and Japan became independent on Apr. 28th the next year. (next page)
(Vocabulary)
sworn allies / sworn friend 盟友
the Great East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere 大東亜共栄圏
colonial master 宗主国
right to claim compensation for damage 損害賠償請求権
waive 〈権利など〉を放棄する
animosity 強い憎しみ、敵意
Ceylon セイロン
preach morality 人の道を説く
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