Evening star., 1937-09-07
Uncle Sam Stands Pat.

AS both the Sino-Japanese and Span
ish crises mount in intensity, with grow
Ing possibilities of ramifying far beyond
their geographical limitations, occasion
has been taken to clarity American
policy in presence Of the rising threat
to world peace. The circumstance that
Uncle Sam lays his cards on the table
In the form of semi-public statements,
rather than in diplomatic communica-
tionS, does not minimize the weight or
gravity of the views thus set forth.
They disclose, in a nutshell, that in
action by the United States, through
non-invocation of the neutrality act in
the Asiatie conflict, in no wise denotes
disinterestedness in that undeclared war
fare or the vital politico- economic ques-
tions associated with it. In every re-
spect America stands unalterably firm
In the assertion of It's rights in the Far
East, especially those guaranteed by.
treaties. With them no real interference
will be brooked. Simply because they
are imperiled there will be no submissive
or premature scuttling of our interests
or abandonment of covenanted preroga-
tives. American nationals are urged to
quit China or warned to remain at their
own risk. They will be offered every
facility to evacuate, but not be COM
PEELED to do so. Warships and marine
forces in required strength will con-
tinue on guard at danger points, while
observing scrupulous neutrality toward
both belligerents. Our policy necessarily
is maintained on a so-called 24-hour
basis, subject to modification as chang
ing conditions dictate. But all concerned
are henceforth on unambiguous notice
that vigilsnt, peace-craving United
States Government, while hoping for the
best, Is quietly, resolutely prepared for
the worst.
Though this latest elucidation OF policy
applies primarily to events in China and
only reaf1rms the general principles
set forth by Secretary Hull on July Is
and August %, it is motivated in only
slightly less degree by menacing develop
ments In Europe. Were the United
States to observe an utterly passive at
titude toward the upheaval in Asia
ignoring the occasion to manifest re-
sentiment OF roughshod violation of
multilateral agreements like the WASH
ington treaty and the Kellogg pact--it
would automatically divest itself of in
fluence should the peace of Europe be
disturbed, under somewhat similar con-
ditions, say, by Italy or Germany. What
President Roosevelt and Secretary Hull
obviously are essaying is to rally the
nations around q program OF pacific
orderly settlement of both existing and
future world disputes. There could be
no more effective way OF doing so than
by proclaiming American determination
not to condone international highway
manship anywhere or tolerate wanton
acts committed In its name, which
undermine inslienable American rights.
The country at this juncture expects
no more from the administration and
will be content with nothing less.
On all fours with repronouncement of
our position anent foreign affairs is
Secretary Hull's fortnight warning to
naturalized American citizens of German
birth. The admonition is evoked by re-
cent official declarations at Stuttgart en-
phasizing the Nazi devotion demanded
from Germans living abroad. Though
they may Hell Hitler" and fiaunt
swastikas TO their hearts content over
here, Secretary Hull bids the goose-
steppers and arm-wavers in question not
to forget that their new allegiance, their
undivided duty, is to our Constitution.
laws and flag" 1t is timely and whole
some hint to certain groups whose ac-
tivities have been marked by unbecom-
ing and provocative effrontery.