The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-05-09
KEEPING UP
With
THE NE WIS
By LUDWELL DENNY

TINE United States government
Il decided today not to intervene
at this time in the Japanese-Chinese
war unless asked by both sides to
mediate.
Washington officials are alert,
watching Japan pour more than
10000 troops into Shantung. But
there is not immediate indication
that this government will refuse to
accept at it's face value Japan's
promise to withdraw her army when
her nationals are safe.
UnofficiallY, American diplomats
are understood to be using their in
fuence with both sides to prevent a
formal declaration of war. Though
the present clash of Chinese and
Japanese armies in Shantung is
actual war, a formal declaration
might lead to a serious international
situation from which the United
States could not remain aloof.
This government is a party, with
Japan and the other powers, to the
1922 treaty guaranteeing China's
freedom. Under that treaty, Japan
IS pledged to cooperate in providing
"the fullest and most unembarrassed
opportunity to China 10 develop and
maintain for herself an effective
and stable government"
II
There is no effort in diplomatic
circles to minimize the gravity of
the present situation. Japan has
$4,000 troops now in Shantung to
protect" 10000 Japanese civilians,
and 1900 more soldiers are en-
route.
Anti-Japanese feeling Is reported
sweeping China as a result of
Japanese firing on natives, and is
spreading northward in the terri
tory of the ex-Japanese ally, Chang
Iso-lin, as well as among the south
ern Nationalist.
Unless the Toxic government
changes its military policy, further
costly conflict is considered newt
able.
WHATEVER the immediate out
w come Of the military situation,
neutral observers believe Japan in
the last six days has lost more in
China that she had gained n six
years of friendly" diplomacy.
Following settlement Of the previ-
Gus Shantung dispute and the 1922
Washington conference, Japan re-
nounced her sO-called 'militarist'
policy in favor of the Shidehara
big brother" attitude toward China.
Though some Chinese were begin
ming to lose their suspicion OF their
neighbor, events Of the last week are
said to have made Japan more hated
than ever before.
The delicacy Of the japanese
Chinese war from an international
standpoint is indicated by failure of
the League Of Nations to intervene,
as required by the league covenant,
when two league members are
threatened with war.
Chinese Nationalist are under
stood to favor meditation by Wash
ingtOn rather than by Geneva. Be
cause Of the United States extra
territorial interests and treaty COM
mittees in China, it is not believed
that Great Britain and the other
league powers would permit Geneva
action without approval of Wash
ington.
A DJOURNMENT Of Congres
IA May IS, to permit a vacation
for the politicians before their Ma
tional convention fights in mid June
is planned by leaders in both houses,
night sessions having begun.
The farm relief bill is about out
of the way. today is expected to see
the final agreement on the flood
control bill, and the Senate is max
ing Roadway on the tax reduction
measure, already initially disposed
of by the House.
The Boulder Dam bill, now before
the Senate, and the Muscle Shoals
measure coming up to the House,
probably will fall by the way-side in
the scramble for adjournment, re-
peating the history of former ses-
sions.
n
Unemployment resulting from in
creased industrial efficiency rather
than overproduction is a sign of
business health, Donaldson Brown,
vice president Of the General Mo-
tors Corporation told the United
States Chamber of Commerce con-
vention in Washington today.