The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1933-01-27
WHAT'S GOING ON
IN WASHINGTON
Japanese Situation a Puzzle;
Arms Export Treaty; to Re-
vamp Bankruptcy Laws.
By WILLIAM sRUcKARr

4NA'hs
extent, one hears everywhere in the
National Capital these days the Ques-
ton: "What about Japan?" And ev-
cry attempt to answer is stalled be-
cause none can say what can be done
about Japan
While Japan has edged further into
the longtime Chinese territory of
Jehol, the world powers have stood
by with poker faces and have given
only such support as they have been
forced to give to what eventually will
come to be known as the "Stimson
doctrine" One hears a great deal Of
criticism of the impotency Of the Unit
ed States In the japanese situation,
but this must be allowed for the
United States: 1t attempted to do
something worthwhile, and historians
and students of foreign affairs In and
out Of the government appear to agree
| that the failure of the effort cannot
! be laid at the door of our nation.
No one seems to know what the ul-
innate object of Japan is; no one has
been able to divine the purpose Of the
steady, driving force that Japan has
exerted through almost two years, but
everyone recognizes the dangers in the
situation. Some see one set Of posi-
bilities, while others insist that anoth-
er series of potentialities are more
grave.
A review of the circumstances shows
that Japan has set her face directly on
q program Of obtaining more territory
into which her crowded millions can
pour from the narrow confines Of her
island empire. The same review re-
veals that the civil structure of the
Japanese government has had little
or nothing to say about the policy
upon which her armies have launched.
Further, the entire course of events
has disclosed probably the greatest ar
rogance Of any nation of modern times
in respect Of the appeals and yelled
threats of other nations.
There are rich resources in Jehol
and the territory beyond the Great
Wall of China, resources sorely need
ed by Japan.
But Japan Goes Ahead.
The Stimson doctrine, enunciated
more than year ago. said in effect to
Japan: ut will do you no good to
go ahead, for we will not recognize
any of the territory you gain in this
way" To quote the words of that dip
lomatic communication which surely
seems to be destined to stand out in
history: 1.-THE United States refuses
to recognize any situation, treaty or
arrangement brought about by means
contrary to the Kellogg BRAND treaty."
which outlawed war.
But that has had no effect. The
Japanese civil structure acted like it
agreed, but the military did not. The
matter got into the League Of Nations
because the United States virtually
forced the league to consider 1t, and
the league made something Of the
same formal statement to Japan. Yet.
Japan, in September of last year, went
right ahead and recognized Man
chukuo. Thus, the Japanese displayed
their conviction: they believe they
have no reason to fear the conse-
quences of their acts because, as said
ut the beginning, what can be done
about it?
This Japanese situation Is a lot
closer to us than the several thousands
of miles between the nations would in
dictate. Congress has been milling
around over granting freedom to the
Philippine islands. Both major polit-
ical parties are committed to 1t, and it
will happen sooner or later. That is,
the Filiplnos will be given the right to
govern themselves barring that which
now seems unlikely. an overt act to-
wards the United States by the jap
aneSe.
Senator Borah, of Idaho, chairman
Of the senate committee on foreign re-
lations, entertains no fears of the JAP
anese insofar as the Philippine islands
are concerned. He sees the Japanese
as "headed the other way" That is,
he believes their ambitions lie in the
direction Of far-reaching domain on
the mainland of Asia, perhaps as a
counter power against the great Rus
sian bear.
Senator vandenberg, of Michigan,
another member of the same commit
tee, says he can vision a whole bushel
basket filed with possibilities. He
told me that freedom of the Philippines
without the strictest sort of protection
and arrangements for prevention Of
trouble would lead directly to trouble
with Japan.
So it Is to be seen that the policy
of the United States with respect to
the Japanese invasion of China has
more Importance than just MS 1t bears
on seizure of Chinese territory.
Arms Export Treaty.
Relations between governments al
ways are matters of delicacy. 1t is
difficult sometimes. therefore, to gain
naked facts. Weathervanes may he
observed. however, and one of them