Evening star., 1933-10-19

Much uncertainty surrounds the ORR
entail trouble over the control OF trans
portation facilities, and Americans are
convinced that both Russia and Japan
are likely to be uncompromis1ng in their
present disagreement The immediate
cause of bitterness is the charge by the
Soviet government that it has discovered
q japanese scheme to seize the Chinese
Eastern Railway.
Observing that Toxic has denied the
existence Of documents on which the
Russian charges are based, the Des
Moines Tribune states: If one had to
make guess. he would better risk II
that the documents we're at best dupli-
Gates Of the originals-for 1t Is indeed
unlikely that official Japanese papers
would 60 astray in an area 30 completely
and admittedly under Tokio'S DONNA
ton as Manchukuo. But even assum-
ing that Moscow has the originals and
that they are authentic, what Of 1t?
Japan's procedure in taking over the
Chinese Eastern speaks loudly enough
as to her intent Documents detailing
the procedure are merely superhuous.
And what Is Russia going to do about 1t,
anyway"
Comparing the situation in Manchu-
ria to that Of the Balkans in Europe. as
powder mine" the Dayton Daily
News concludes: Russia has shown it
self determined, the while 1t gets its
economic system established, to have
peace at any price. Its offer to sacri-
flee its Far Eastern railroad is mark
of this determination. But no one can
believe that Russia plans to let itself be
free harbor on its Pacific shore. II
Japan were more philosophical and less
militaristic just now it would be con-
sidering the safety Of working out with
Russia now an adjustment which would
not set Russia to ranking for q genera
ton to come. What with both giant
Russia and giant China overtowering 1t
across the straits, how little can Japan
afford to establish swashbuckling as the
rule Of action in the Far Eastl"
Pointing to the friction that has been
developing on the railroad line, the
Philadelphia Public Ledger says what
has happened Is "the japanese way of
informing the Russians that they will
have to sell out-or get out" and that
''tn either case, the Japanese are merely
waiting for the ripened plum to drop
into their hands" The Newark Evening
News comments on the affair: "The new
Russian attitude comedies with an i'm
provement In its political and economic
position. The f1ve-year plan Is produc-
ing results. Great new industrial plants
are coming into more efhcient operation.
Last years food shortage has been over
come, with good hArvests now reported.
1t is now possible to speak up to Japan
without fear Of attack from the West or
uprisings at home. In other words. the
time has become more opportune for
Russia to run the risk Of conflict with
Japan II 1t insists upon the protection
Of its interests IN the Far East"
'"The Chinese Eastern Railway ap-
pears on the map as q red line of dam
ger" remarks the Oakland Tribune,
which believes that "the whole world
cannot fail to pay heed" and observes
that "a Russian note diSregards all pre-
lenses as to the status of the Manchu-
kuo territory, saying that Japan is the
real master" The Cincinnati Times
Star contends that what makes the
present quarrel menacing is the fact
that Russia has offered o clear, bold
challenge to that domination Of Man
churia which Japan regards as part Of
her destiny" The San Jose Mercury
Herald agrees with those who say that
the danger Of war jeopardizing its
Eastern trade outlet has compelled
eIu1t N 4suSS6u pOllCy VOWA<0 EuIOpe
This European change Is mentioned also
as factor by the Newark Evening News
and the Providence Journal.
'NuAstA and japan can't afford q
war;" asserts the Sioux Falls Daily Ar
gus-Leader, but that obstacle viii not
deter iEnperialistic and blood thirsty
military leaders. Whether they shed the
blood o. thousands or not and i'm
poverfsh their nations mean little to
them, Is LONG e their ambitions are