Evening star., 1934-05-07

Sound diplomacy is seen by news
paper observers in Secretary Hull's
note to Japan stating the American
position in regard to treaty rights and
obligations in China. Confidence that
Japan's designs will be checked is
lacking in most of the comment, but
it Is felt that the United States is
following . sane and dignifled course
In dealing with grave problem.
The primary obligation of Ameri-
can diplomacy" in the judgment Of
the Columbia Is. c. Record, 'is to
protect American interests. and there
are no American interests in China
comparable to the interests involved
in the United States staying out Of
Chinese difiiculties." The Harrisburg
(PaD Patriot suggests that, wrongly
handled, the explosives in the Orient
might easily let CO." and that "Uncle
Sam is doing his share in smoothing
out the international wrinkles"
In this matter" says the New York
Sun. "the United States has called
Japan's attention to the fact that in
ternational affairs must be conducted
on a sounder foundation than that
supplied by the whims or even the
temporary convenience of one nation
or another, and Great Britain has
also reminded Japan Of that fact At
present there seems to be hope, If not
confidence. in London and in WASH
ington that Japan will recognize the
truth Of this"
"In Secretary Hull's clear and force
full statement to Japan" declares the
Pittsburgh Post-Gasette, "the United
States Government has placed itself
on record in Q manner that cannot
be misunderstood, except willfully" I"
The Connellsville Courier holds that
''the pronouncement ought to make
It plain that the United States has
the courage to speak in defense of its
own rights" while the jamestown IN
~ Post feels that "the plain Ian
guage is needed" The Jersey City
journal, believing that "the note is q
logical execution Of the good neigh
bor' policy" offers this description:
''No foolish effort to preach or dictate
to Japan appears In this note: rather.
it is q gracious and choicely worded
statement of facts as they are and
courteous suggestion that if Japan
wants these facts changed we can dis
cuss that contingency with equanim-
ity. The note simply states the fact
that we have done business with
China and other nations for many
years; that certain rules and regula-
tions are laid down for the orderly
conduct Of this business. and that
methods are provided for amending
these rules II occasion warrants. It
states that the American Govern
ment seeks to be duly considerate OF
the rights, the obligations. and the
legitimate interests Of other coun-
tries and It expects on the part Of
other governments due consideration
Of the rights, the obligations and the
legitimate interests Of the United
States How can any government
take exception to this clear statement
Of the Golden Rule?"
,"American diplomacy at its BEST"
In the opinion Of the Baltimore Sun.
"L reflected in the position the State
Department has taken with regard to
JapanS indirect attempt to establish
0 protectorate over China. Secretary
Hulls statement Is noteworthy for its
quiet dignity and tactfulness. 1t
neither complains nor accuses.
True, II the Japanese are really de-
termined to go ahead with their plans
for . protectorate, all the moral sua-
sion Secretary Hull can call up will
probably not stop them. There Is no