1. Source : ‘The Doormat’, David Low, 1933

2. Manchuria Produced by David Low, a British cartoonist, in 1933
Concerning the reaction of the League to the Invasion of Manchuria by Japan in 1931
Southern Manchuria was occupied by Japanese soldiers (Kwantung) to protect land gained from Russia in 1905
1920s - lots of Chinese moving into area
Japan feared Chinese might soon be strong enough to contest their ownership of Manchuria
Sept. 18, Mukden Incident – explosion on South Manchurian Railway outside of Mukden, claimed to be sabotage by Chinese
Provided excuse for Japanese soldiers to start a take over of Manchuria

3. Responses of the League
Throughout, the Chinese appealed to the League of Nations for help
League could not ignore plea so instructed Japanese forces to withdraw
Ignored by the Japanese
Report by Lytton to establish what had happened, published in 1932, finding Japanese to be at fault
The Members of the League accepted his conclusion but Japan ignored the report and left the League

4. Content Man entitled ‘Japan’ is walking over a prostrate woman
Walking into a building named ‘Geneva’
Doors are wide open with a man inside bowing
Woman, ‘League’, has papers next to her called ‘Honour of Nations’
Woman is being tended to by a man part of the ‘Face-saving Outfit’

5. Concept
Geneva – the location of the League’s headquarters, the Palace of Nations – Japan is marching in to the Palace, it can come and go as it pleases (it left the League after this dispute) or the League is weak and powerless (can’t even protect its own HQ, how could it hope to protect other countries?)
‘The Doormat’ – demonstrates the League only appeared powerful and important but in reality wielded little power or respect – doormat presents welcome regardless of actual intention. OR doormat is walked upon– bigger powers could walk all over the League.
Honour of Nations on one side – it appears to have been discarded, smaller nations now are unable to rely upon the League for support , it has been shown to be ineffective here, why would it be any different elsewhere. People have lost trust in the League.
Face-saving Outfit – League can now do little to regain trust of others and has lost all credibility in dealing with international disputes. Can attempt to save face but ultimately will prove futile.
‘League’ on floor under Japan – Japan has been able to walk all over the League for the League appeared incapable of dealing with larger scale disputes.
Japan small in stature – should have been a problem the League were capable of dealing with (a small problem compared to the vastness of the League)
Man at door - the League recognises its own weakness and impotence with the guardian of the League bowing down to Japan
‘Japan’ is walking over the League – Japan has shown the League, through the Manchurian Crisis, to be weak and incapable