Evening star., 1931-12-11
BY CONSTANTINE BROWN.

The Chinese-Japanese conflict over
Manchuria has ended, as far as the
Council of the League of Nations is con-
cerned, in a satisfactory manner for all
concerned. The principal members OF
the Leagues Council have been able
to make speeches which might save the
face Of the League if nobody bothers
to scratch the surface and analyze the
real value Of the agreement; the Japa-
nese got all they wanted and are not
restricted in their future activities in
Manchuria, and China got all 1t could
get under the circumstances.
Secretary Stimson, in a statement IS
sued last night, expressed his satisfac-
ton at the agreement reached by the
Council, at which Gen. Dawes played
no small part. But after having eX-
pressed his qualification, the Secretary
could not refrain from throwing some
real light at the intrinsic value of the
agreement which depends entirely on
Chtna's and Japan's good faith.
Mr.. Stimson said: The government
of this country, as one of the sigma
tories of the Kellogg BRAND pact and
Of the nine-power pact, cannot dis
guise its concern over the events which
have there tin Marchuria) transspired
The future efficacy Of the resolution of
the Council of the League of Nations
depends upon the good faith with
which the pledge against renewed hos
tilities Is carried out by both parties.
The American Government will con-
tinue to follow with solicitous interest
all developments in this situation in
the light Of the obligations involved in
the treaties to which this country is a
part"
Secretary Stimson's last sentence
especially regarded by many as a dis
Greet warning to all concerned that
America does not regard the white
washing resolution adopted in Paris as
giving either of the two Asiatic antag-
onists free hand to disregard further
the treaties to which they have be-
come a party on their own plition.
In order not to leave any illusions
as to the vslue of the League of Ma
tions Councils resolution the spokes-
man of the japanese foreign Office
hsstened last night to declare that
Japan Is not restricted, by the Coun-
ellis resolution from taking police
measures to protect the life and prop
erty of the Japanese citizens, especially
in the Chinchow area, and the Leagues
commission Of inquiry activities will
have to be limited because in the
opinion of the Japanese foreign office
this commission VIII have no authority
TO investigate Japan's military arrange
ments nor interfere In the negotia-
tons which may materialize between
China and Japan
This last paragraph is full Of mean
ing. The only really constructive ac-
ton OF the Leagues resolution was the
appointment Of this neutral commission
of inquiry. Mr.. Stimson hailed this
provision as an important and con-
structive step toward an ultimate and
fair solution Of the intricate problem
presented in Manchuria. II means the
application with the consent of China
and Japan of modern and enlightened
methods of conciliation." Yet the
japanese foreign Office took the first
opportunity to spike the value of such
a commission by making the above
mentioned restriction which render the
visit of the members a mere Cooks
tour trip on the frozen Manchurian
plains
Furthermore the policy of this coun-
try was expressed when it was said
that We are opposed to China and
Japan negotiating treaty while Japan
holds a pistol at Chinas head The
continued presence of Japans troops in
Manchuria would imply that any agree
ment arrived at under these circum-
stances WJuld be under QuresS
According to the Leagues resolution
Japan and China will refrain from any
initiative which may lead to further
fighting. The Japanese representative
at the Council was able, however, prac-
tically to nullify this paragraph by