Evening star., 1937-07-31
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MARYLAND and ViYrinia
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Member of the Associated Press.
The Fate of China.

Twenty-three years ago today the
World War was just over the horizon
The British fleet had taken up strategic
stations in the North Sea, the German
Army was about to "hack its way
through Belgium, and in Russia, France,
Austria and Serbia myriads of men were
on the march. Certain conditions at
the end of July, 1887, bear disquieting
resemblance to those which encouraged
the Central Powers to launch their
thunderbolts in July, 1914. Germany
and her allies saw a Britain enmeshed
in critical controversy with Ireland; a
Russia on the perennial verge of revo-
luton. The Kaiser and his satellites
were convinced that "the day" had
dawned.
Japan surveys the world, particularly
the West, this July, and manifestly con-
cludes that the progressive dismember-
ment of China may now be pressed with a
minimum of risk. Soviet Russia showed
In the affair on the Amur that it is in no
mood for war, either because of the Red
Army's disrupted morale or for other
reasons. Europe, on perpetual tenter-
hooks lest the Spanish strife kindle a
general conf1agration, is concerned ex-
clusively with that contingency. The
United States, besides it's invincible re-
solve to maintain neutrality, is too deeply
Immersed in political and economic prob
lens of its own to think of intervention
n China's struggle for elf-preservation.
Thus just as Germany in IA discerned
q "go" signal, so Japan in 81 finds the
road clear and is on its way.
Events around Peiping and Tientsin
are changing SO kaleidoscopically from
hour to hour that they make precarious
Any attempt to predict the course they
viii next take. Only one or two things
seem clear, In the maze Of fluctuating
battle fortunes and counter claims by
Nanking and Toxic. Peiping appears to
have fallen completely under japanese
domination. After desultory military
clashes the ancient capital is now oc-
cupied by Chinese troops under pro-
Japanese command, whereby the Toxic
controlled Autonomous Hopei- -Chahar
regime is more firmly intrenched than
ever. On the outcome of fighting raging
around Tientsin probably depends the
immediate success or failure of Japans
efiort to convert North China into an
other Manchukuo. The present success
q failure OF that long projected venture
will mainly turn on Chang Kai-shek s
willingness or ability to marshal his
crack legions for a crucial trial of
strength with the island oppressor.
Nanking talks brayely, but gives no sign
OF beating strong words into military
deeds Meantime, japanese war spirit
Is famed to fever heat as the Konoye-
Hirota government speaking in the
voice Of its army master, thunders the
determination to have a final reckoning
with China and to brook no foreign
intervention in that purpose.
Americas momentary preoccupation
Is to safeguard the lives of our several
thousand nationals in the war zone.
While there is no sentiment in favor
OF other measures, Japan makes grave
mistake II she reads into the United
States restraint conclusive evidence OF
our unqualified detachment from the
crisis now menacing the peace of Asia
and the world. 1t was only few DAYS
ago that Washington affirmed that
there can be no serious hostilities any,
where which will not in one way or
another affect interests. rights or obu-
cations of this country" That is Ian
guase which Toxic is not likely to mis-
interpret at this tragic hour.