Evening star., 1932-02-24
PACTS IN DANGER
IN ORIENT, NOTE
BY STIMS0N SAYS
Continued From First Page.)

these had emphasized the vital impor-
tance of observance of existing treaties.
He held it unnecessary to attempt to
apportion blame for the controversy,
with the statement that whoever is at
fault a situation plainly has developed
that cannot be reconciled with treaties
in force. Further, he said, If the
treaties had been respected the trouble
would rct have arisen.
The nine-power treaty, Stimson
wrote, was entered into by Japan and
the other signatories at a time when
China was engaged in an attempt to
develop free institutions and the powers
realized China would require many
years to attain that end.
Covenant Of Self-DeniaI
"The treaty was thus covenant of
self-denial among the signatory powers
in deliberate remuneration of any policy
of aggression which might tend to
interfere with that development" the
Secretary said in part. 1T was believed
and the whole history of the de-
velopment of the open door policy
reveals that faith-that only by such
process. under the protection of such
an agreement. could the fullest interest
not only Of China. but of all nations
which have intercourse with her best
be served"
The Secretary reminded that "on
January II last, upon the instruction
OF the President, this Government for
mally notified Japan and China that
it would not recognize any situation.
treaty or agreement entered into by
those governments in violation of the
PnVananfC n thocn
power and the Kellogg BRAND treaties)
which affected the rights of our Gov
eminent or its citizens in China
If a similar decision should be
reached and similar position taken
by the other governments of the world, "
he continued. "a caveat will be placed
upon such action which, we believe.
will effectually bar the legality here
after of any title or right sought to
be maintained by pressure or treaty
violation, and which, as has been shown
by history in the past. will eventually
lead to the restoration to China of
rights and titles of which she may
have been deprived"
Admiral William v. Pratt. chief OF
naval operations. in a message to Ad-
miral M. M. Taylor, commander OF
the Asiatic Fleet now at Sharghai, to-
day expressed his hearty approval OF
Taylor's urging of forebearance on the
commanding officer of the Italian
cruiser Libia, struck today by a Chi
neSe she'll
Will Return Fire.
The Liba's commander had informed
Taylor that if the shelling reoccurred
he would return fire. Taylor took the
position that such action would be in
error unless there was evidence the
smelling was Intentional The British
and French senior naval officers had
concurred in Taylor's opinion.
Taylor reported little activity In the
hghting between the Chinese and Japa
nese, With no apparent gains by either
Ambassador Claudel of France took
occasion today to deny rumors that bis
government had an understanding with
Japan and was supporting its policy
A statement from the French embassy
said he wishes to reafirm that such
an opinion is positively without founda-
tlon; furthermore, he is sincerely con-
cerned about the serious repercussions
which such unfounded rumors NAV
create in the Far East for the personal
security of many innocent men and
women"
M Claudel has had many opportuni-
ties since the beginning of the crisis
to assure the Secretary of State of his
country's full cooperation. Besides
the public actions of France have
largely proved the spirit of CO.
operation, for which Mr.. Stimson has
repeatedly expressed his appreciation. >
Publication of a news dispatch from
Shanghai to the effect that japanese
military authorities yesterday engaged
in the ruthless killing of men, Womer
and children IN the vicinity Of Kiang.