The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1936-02-17
BY JOSEPH III. BAIRD
United Press STAFF Correspondent

United Press stan Correspondent
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17.-Reports
of new outbreaks on the Mongolia
Manchukuo frontier appeared today
to be the most serious symptom OF
Russo Japanese tension in recent
months, but not likely to lead to
immediate formal hostilities between
the two powers.
This was the conclusion of diplo-
mats who have watched closely the
moves and counter moves in the
turbulent Far Eastern region.
Reasons they give in support OF
their view we're:
l. Russia does not want war now
Although many believe the Soviet
is convinced it may eventually fight
a japanese war, it is directing all
energies toward completing indus
trial expansion under the second
flye-year plan first.
Japan Hesitant to Attack
2. Japan, while probably equally
convinced of the likelihood of even
tual warfare, is hesitant to attack
the Soviet in view of Russia's enor-
nous military resources.
3. Japan is believed to have
enough on its hands with it's pro-
gram of expansion in North China
without rushing into new conflict
with Russia which might endanger
the whole expansion program.
Yet, in spite of apparent funda-
mental desire of both powers to
avoid war now, tension on the
Manchukuo- Monaghan border has
increased steadily with latest ad-
vices reporting major clashes.
Recent news reflected this tension.
Russia rejected "a japanese answer
to a Soviet protest regarding bit
ter border clash, claiming the reply
was unfactual, gross invention
and SANDER.
Consulate Reported Closed
AT the same time, the Soviet was
reported to be closing its consulate
at Swefenho, a Manchukuoan bor-
der town. This followed announce
ment that the Mukden consulate
also would. be closed.
Meantime, Japanese sources
charged that 1000 Mongol troops
had entered Manchukuo on its
southwestern border and engaged in
a clash with defending forces.
But it was not believed this ten
sion would cause immediate hostil-
tiles.
Several reasons are advanced for
this apparent paradox.
Soviet sources maintain that
Japan is seeking general subjuga-
ton of Mongolia il an effort to
open line of attack which would
cut the trans-Siberian Railroad in
the Lake Baikal region.
Move Would Affect Soviet
Ii the railroad should be cut, the
Soviet would be unable to- supply
troops to the east of the break.
Another Soviet contention is that
Japan is inspiring the Manchukuoan
army to raids in Mongolia in order
to distract attentio.- from its sub
jugation program il north China.
They contend, 100, that the al
legged raids are intended to direct
attention to Japanese-Soviett tension
with a view to weakening French
support of the Franco-Soviet pact
of mutual assistance now before the
French Senate for ratification.
This agreement is directed prin-
cipally against Germany. But if
indications were that the Soviet
army was to be engaged with Japan
in the Far East, it would be of less
assistance to France in any con-
flict with Germany and hence the
pact would be of less value to
France.
Japan Dislikes Agreement
Japan objects to the Franco-Rus-
sian agreement, naturally opposing
any move that might strengthen a
potential enemy.
The japanese foreign Office has
repeatedly expressed its desires for
peace. The Japanese have insisted
they have no more desire for war
than the Russians.
1t was pointed out, however, that
there was little coordination be-
tween the japanese foreign Office
and the Kwangtung army, Japans
military force in the border region.
The Kwangtung army group is
known to be alarmed at Soviet mill
tary expansion and to believe that il
a war must be fought, the sooner the