The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-02-25
The Stimson Doctrine

Again America has assumed moral leadership in
world affairs. Secretary of State stimson's declara-
lion of policy in defense of the peace treaties violated
by Japan Is an expression of high craftsmanship.
1t throws the weight of the United States not only
against the Japanese militarists, but against the i'm
perialists and militarists of other countries.
Never since the world war has the international
crisis been so grave. If the peace treaties are worth
less in the far east, they are worthless in the rest Of
the world.
If Japan can tear up those treaties with consent
Of the powers today, then tomorrow any other power
can shoot its way through the kellogg pact and other
treaties.
In this emergency, the European powers are act
ing almost as though no treaties existed. They are
silent. or when they speak their words are so weak
that Japan is encouraged to continue her madness.
They are slowing down the peace processes of the
League Of Nations, which is functioning chiefly be-
cause of the pressure of small nations.
It is now clear that one of the reasons for the
early timidity Of the United States in facing this
crisis was the knowledge that powerful forces in
Great Britain and France were backing Japanese
militartsm. There are even ugly reports that some in
terests in England and France would welcome an
American-Japanese war.
Whatever the truth or lack of truth of these re-
ports. it is an open fact that Great Britain and
France have failed to support the pro-treaty policy
laid down by the United States in its Jan. z note to
Japan, and now reaffirmed and ampliied in Secre~
tary stimson's letter to Chairman Borah of the senate
foreign relations committee.
It also is a fact that if the British and French
governments will follow Americas leadership in de-
tense of the worlds peace machinery, Japan in the
end will be forced to conform to those treaties.
Therefore, the Stimson declaration is more than a
solemn warning to Japan that the United States
never will recognize a settlement imposed by force and
in violation of the treaties.
It is more than a similar warning to other nations
who may think that treaties can be broken without
cost. It is at the same time a challenge to Great
Britain and France to come to the aid of those
treaties, or take the responsibility with Japan for the
world chaos which may result.
Referring to the American declaration of Jan. Z,
refusing to recognize the legality of any action or
agreement violating the treaties, Secretary stimson
puts responsibility for the future on Great Britain
and France in these words:
"If a similar decision should be reached and a
similar position taken by the other governments of
the world, a caveat will be placed upon such action
which, we believe, effectively will bar the legality
hereafter of any title or right sought to be obtained
by pressure or treaty violation, and which, as tls
been shown by history in the past, eventually will lead
to the restoration to China of rights and titles of
which she may have been deprived
The United States, if the other powers viii CO.
operate, can outlaw Japan and the fruits of the Jap=
anese conquest. An outlawed nation in the end can
not live alone; soon or late.i it must return the loot
and make restitution to be received back into the
friendship and commerce OF the family of nations.
Secretary stimson is not calling the nations to
military war against Japan. HI is calling for a moral
united front of the world. which viii turn the guns