Evening star., 1932-04-24
BY ALBIN E. JOHNSON.

- ENEVA. - Confronted with a
desperate world situation, the
Il remedying of which brooks of
~ no delay, representatives of SIS
countries assembled in Geneva
are figratively seeking to lift the world
by its boot-straps out of the depression
which has gripped it. Manchuria, tar
ifs, war debts and disarmament are
the major political, economical and
moral issues involved in the series
of conferences negotiations and secret
discussions going on here these days.
And, odd as it may seem, sitting in on
the international poker game at the
seat of the League of Nations, is to be
seen for the first time an American
Secretary of State-Henry L. Stimson.
The arrival of Mr.. Stimson, who has
been here a week. conceded with the
calling on an extraordinary session of
the League Council, convened in a
tragic last-minute effort to save four
European States-AuStria, Bulgaria.
Hungary and Greece-from going over
haps political chaos, as result of the
world depression.
Showdown is Possible.
Mr.. Stimson's visit also comedies
and not through accident either-with
what may become a showdown on Man
churia. The League of Nations, having
lined up with the United States in de-
nouncing Tokios methodical move to
absorb three Chinese provinces. now is
faced with Japans threat of withdrawal
as result. Toxic has reached a point
where she can no longer bluff-she
must either take her troops out of
Manchuria or risk the consequences.
The attitude adopted by Washington
and the members of the League is iden-
tlcaHand unequivocal. They will not
recognize any change in China's DO
Atical or territorial integrity. With
secretary OF State Stimson here, the
League that means the Big Powers
and the members of the Council which
olrect League policies) is confer
ring with the United States directly to
decide what the next Joint move will
be If Japan remains obstinate. Appar-
entity there can no longer be anv half
steps.
what lies in the back of Secretary
Stimson's mind, in regard to the Sino-
japanese controversy, nobody here
claims to know. 1t is. assumed that he
will stand firm on the principles
enunicated in his Borah letter. But
the Leagues policy, carefully worked
out behind the scenes during the past
fortnight, Is clear Should the Japa-
nese continue their dilatory tactics or
iritsrpose new objections to carrying
out their double pledge (made to both
the Council and the assembly, to
Chinese territory, the inter-
national pressure will be gradually in
creased until the issue is forced. On
t;,e other hand if Toxic decides to
b-eak with Geneva rather than re-
llnquish her hold on Manchuria, then
an international .boycott-financial
political and commercials envisaged,
to be followed by severance of diplo-
matte relations with Japan and active
aid to China in her fight against
foreign aggression. Few believe that
this stage will ever be reached. Never
theless the statesmen assembled at
Geneva are studying and preparing for
all possible eventualities. 1t can be
stated categorically that Russia is
ready to follow the lead of the United
is. to adopt an indepen-
dent policy paralleling that of the other
powers without asSociating herself for
mally with them.
Economic Factors Lead.
While the Disarmament Conference
provides the ''excuse" for Secretary
Stimsons presence in Europe, the
politico-economic question of tariffs
and international debts and credits is
perhaps the biggest problem confront
ing Washington in its cooperation with
European states. The Leagues Finan-
cial Committee, which is composed of
leading financiers, economists and
statesmen of IL countries (including
Norman Davis of the American Dis
Delegation, who, after a
hurried trip to Washington, returned to
Geneva with Mr.. Stimson), has sub
mitted an urgent report of the utmost
gravity.
While the document, which has been
circulated confidentially to all govern
ments, including the United States,
deals primarily with the critical situa-
ton in Austria, Bulgaria. Hungaria and
Greece, which states have appealed to
the League for financial assistance, its
conclusions apply TO the entire world,
and particularly to Europe. Economic
of the four mid-European
countries, unless forestalled will be fol-
lowed by the collapse of other and more
important countries just as inevitably