Evening star., 1932-02-29
POWERS ARE FIRM
AGAINST BOYCOTT
u. S. Considers Moral Force
as More Powerful Than
Embargo. J.
By the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press
1t is now definitely established that
this Government is completely opposed
to any plan for an economic boycott
against Japan, and that the major Eu-
ropean powers tend to agree with this
stand.
The enormous hazards to peace Of
such a move, plus the reaction on the
domestic industries drawing raw mate
rials from the country being boycotted
are considered here sufficient to out
weigh the benefits obtainable. The
stand of the big foreign countries has
been reported by American observers
abroad, who indicate the boycott senti-
ment largely is limited to the smaller
nations, which would not be so directly
involved in the consequences.
The State Department officials
watched with the keeneSt interest today
the rapid shaping of events toward the
cessation of hoStilities around Shanghai.
They had anticipated something of the
sort for the past several days, their
Judgment being made up on the cumula-
ton of reports showing the state of sem
timent in Japan and China, both in the
fighting zone and in the commercial
centers where the military operations
have their economic repercussions.
Moral Force Held Powerful.
The definite rundown Of the boycott
idea removes the United States from
any participation in or approval OF di-
rect action upon the billigerents. 1t
limits the American stand to employ
ment of moral force and world senti-
20 violation nf treaties
President Hoover is represented as
feeling that this means-embodied in
the outspoken American declaration
that no gains Japan might make
through her military operations in Chi
nese territory would be recognized by
this country-iS more powerful than
any embargo.
Standing firm upon that position, this
government is expectantly awaiting de-
velopments at the League of Nations
Assembly meeting this week, where the
United States position doubtless will
figure.
Consequences Of Boycott.
The outlook of high officials here
upon the various proposals for boycott
was outlined as follows:
A boycott could lead easily to war.
1ne pTdCJlCdl OcFclOpI1lCI1t Va d IVY
colt would involve the closing Of vari-
GUS industries In all the countries con-
cerned.
Thus, such a move would approximate
war upon the civilians Of those coun-
tries.
In turn, this would generate bitter
ness, leading to violence against the
citizens of the boycotting countries who
were residing in the boycotted nation,
and vice versa,
With the responsibility resting upon
all nations to protect their own citizens,
international violence might result.
1t was learned that President Hoover
personally directed Secretary Stimson
to dispatch the now historic note OF
January to Japan, declaring this
country would not recognize any right,
title or benefit gained by japan through
violation of either the Kellogg pact OF
the nine-power treaty.
United States Method Believed New.
Although no direct representation
was made to other nations to join the
United States in this move, state
ment was made at the time that II
they reached similar decisions an ef-
fective bar would be formed against
future treaty violations.
Those directing Americas foreign
policy were said to have received re-
ports that the leading European powers
were doubtful whether they could take
such q positive step.
The President is represented by those
close to him as feeling this Govern
ment's stand constitutes new method
of treaty enforcement, raising to a
high pitch the employment of moral
force against such violations. It was
said he regards this ultimatum as far
more effective than an embargo allow
ing independence of action for the
United States, but at the same time
offering a common basis for world
action,