Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-11-20
RUSS|A'S SILENCE
REEVES PACT TALK
U. S. Weighs Possibility oil
Secret Understanding
With Japanese.
BY the Associated PreAs.


Russia's quiescent attitude toward the
war in Manchuria, giving rise ~ re-
ports of a secret japanese Russian I'm
derStanding, stirred renewed speculation
here today as the American Govern
ment pondered It's most serious diplo-
matte situation OF recent months.
officials plainly were puzzled by the
continued Russian silence, MS Japanese
troops penetrated further into the R,Ig-
sian zone of Manchurla and cnvcloped
a section of the Chinese Eastern Rail-
way, partially Russian controlled
Manchuria long has been regarded as
a three-way menace to peace. II Is n
Chinese province and the last remain
ing outlet for the overflow of Chinese
population. 1t is field Of rich posi-
bilities for japanese commercial cxpan-
sion. And its geographical position,
stretching as It doessouthWard from
Southern Siberia, makes 1t the focus
of Russia's long cherished hope for a
warm water port.
Dubuchi Denies Secret Pact.
Wien trouble was threatened there in
the past, one assurance of peace has
been the circumstance that any agrees
sor faced the united opposition of both
of the other interested parties.
Yet in the present instance, Russia
has appeared almost uninterested in
the northward march of the japanese,
while China stood alone in the path
way. For this situation no clear ex-
PLANTATION has reached Washington,
which has no diplomatic contact with
the SovietS. Yesterday japanese AM
baSSador Dubuchi said in reply to a
question there was mo secret treaty
between Japan and Russia. American
officials won't discuss the Russian angle,
plainly mystified as they are.
With the departure of Dino Grandi,
the Italian foreign minister, the Gov
eminent turned increased attention to-
day to the Manchurian problem. It
occupied most of the time at the cab
met meeting, and both President Hoover
and Secretary of State Stimson kept
constantly on the alert for develop
mentS.
Stimson declined all requests for de-
tails as to the steps being taken here.
In response to question concerning
the pledge of wholehearted support
given the League of Nations soon after
the outbreak of the trouble, the Secre-
tary said the American Governments
action during the last few weeks spoke
eloquently OF its fulf1llment of this
promise.
Questions regarding the present posi-
ton of the United States If the League
Of Nations should take positive action
were referred to statement by AM
bassador Dawes at Paris today that
the United States is wholly sympathetic
with the leagues efforts for peace al
though preserving full freedom of judg-
ment as to its own course.
StimSon said the departure from Pei
ping of the American military attache
for Manchuria in company with British,
French and Polish attaches was in no
sense to be regarded as the sending
of an official international commission,
but that the American attache had
chosen to travel with the others for
convenience.
washington has been informed the
Japanese armies will retire from Tsit-
sihar, barring untoward developments,
as soon as they finish defeating thor
oughly the Chinese Gen. Nah.
Something very near CONSERVATION
appeared IN the gray demeanor of
State Department officials as Debuchi
thus simply stated the intentions of his
government.
Trouble With Soviet Discounted.
He said he realized very bad sit
uation" had been created. He had told
StimSon he was sorry it happened, but
the japanese attack was launched in
Self-defenSe. He mln1mlZed the dan
ger of complications with Russia. main
tanning the Soviets knew Japan did
net intend to capture the Chinese East
ern Railway.
Meantime, the Washington Govern
ment, with ceaseless activity, was
searching out ways of bringing the
Manchurian crisis to an end. The tele-
phone to Paris was worked hard for
consultations between Secretary Slim
son and Ambassador Dawes, who is rep
resenting this country at the League
of Nations council.
But the indications Of success at
Paris appeared slight unless some posi-
tive steps-withdrawa of diplomatic
representatives at Japan or a trade
boycott-were resorted to.
The situation led Senator Borah to
assert he was convinced Japan intends
to dominate Manchuria. Somewhat
similar was an expression of Senator
Johnson of California.