Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1933-01-10
JAPAN PAVES WAY
FOR JEHOL DRIVE
Occupation of Pass Gives
Them Position to Move
in Either Direction.
BY CONSTANTINE BROWN.

The distribution of the japanese
Army in Northern China is such that
the Japanese high command could at
any time direct its forces either into
Jehol or toward Tientsin and Peiping.
The occupation of the Chiumenkow
pass yesterday by Japanese infantry
and cavalry is only precautionary
measure to prevent the sending of the
troops which used to be garrisoned in
Shanhaikwan into Jehol To prevent
effectually the sending of Chinese
troops into Jehol the Japanese viii have
to occupy the Kupieku pass which is
situated some 125 miles from the pres
ent Japanese positions. 1t is only by
the occupation of that pass that the
Japanese can hope to prevent Marshal
Chang's troops to move into Jehol and
defend it against the Japanese invaders.
But the possibility Of the Japanese
directing their principal operations to-
ward Tientsin and Popping Is still con-
sidered in well-informed quarters IN
Washington as strong possibility.
Evade Definite Promise.
The refusal of the Japanese comman-
der of the troops before Chinwangtao
to discuss the Shanhaikwan incident
with the Chinese general formerly In
command of that town is taken as a
strong indication that the japanese do
not want to place themselves in posi-
ton of giving any definite promises to
the Chinese.
On the contrary, the Toxic govern
ment has indicated clearly that while
1t was DESTROYS to localize the Shan
haikwan incident" 1t maintained its
freedom of action by announcing that
serious consequences may derive from
any active opposition of Marshal
Changes troops against the operation of
the imperial army. Since such Incl
dents can be created at will, 1t is be-
lieved In Washington that the Japanese
continue to keep an eye on the Tientsin-
Peiping area.
Of course, the Toxic diplomats are
somewhat worried about military opera
lions which might bring the japanese
Army in touch with the troops of the
four most powerful nations of the world
and are at present using whatever in
f1uence they may have on the general
staff to restrict the military operations
III JCIlUl. pub lllC JdpdllCoC
war department is less concerned and
worries much less about international
complications than the foreign office
does.
Pu vi May Get Throne.
From the strictly military point of
view it might be easier to go into Jehol
by the way Of Tientsin and Peiping
than across the river which could be
easily defended; and since the Chinese
troops show inclination to fight there
is little doubt that they will oppose
the best they can the japanese in
vasion of Jehol.
Strategically speaking, the occupa-
ton of the Peiping district would also
prove great help to the Japanese army
because by placing PuYi on the throne
OF northern China, the task Of the
Japanese army in the future would
be rendered much easier.
Consequently while the operations
reported today, which led to the occu-
patton OF the Chiumenkow pass are re-
garded as indicating intention of the
japanese to restrict their activities to
Jehol only, political observers in WASH
ington do not exclude in the least the
possibility of the Japanese army d.
recting its main efforts to Tientsin
and Peiping.