Evening star., 1937-12-19
BY CONSTANTINE BROWN.

ny WINS AN AINE bRoWN.
TN THE long conference room of the
British foreign Office the sixth chair
remained empty 1t had been placed
for Norman H. Davis, President Roose-
velt's Ambassador at Large. But con-
venient cold had forced him to take few
days rest somewhere in France" and
when he got over it he took the boat for
the United States.
The President and the State Department
were too fed up with the fiasco of the
Brussels Conference to allow Mr. Davis
to snoop around in London. Furthermore,
the Congress of the United States became
suspicious of the activities of our perennial
Ambassador and his attendance at the
London conference would have aroused too
much unWelcome criticism on Capitol Hill
But while the United States was not physi-
cally represented at the talks between
Chamberlain. Eden, Lord Halifax, Chau-
temps and Delbos, she was there in spirit
The five representatives of the European
democracies knew from conversations with
Mr.. Davis and Mr. Bullitt what the United
States wanted and how far the admins
tration was prepared to go regarding the
Far East and the growing influence of the
totaiitarian philosophy throughout the
world.
The conferees discussed every angle of
the world situation and decided that in
the Far Eastern situation the United
States should be allowed to take the
initiative.
As result of the exchange of views
among Washington London and Paris
during the last four months, Great Britain
and France today realize two things: First,
that the Pacific situation is as important
TO their interests as is the Mediterranean.
Secondly, that if one of the three Dictator
ships can be cowed the others would be
easier to handle.
Action May Come Too Late.
Because of the geographical position Of
Japan; because Of the paramount interests
Of the United States in the Far East and
In South America, and because the inter-
ests Of Italy and Germany are more akin
to those Of the other western powers than
10 those Of Japan, the statesmen who gath
cred in London on November 80 decided
on q more sympathetic cooperation with
this country in the Far East. OF course.
there still are so many "ifs" and "whens"
chat 1t will take some time before any
thing concrete will come out of the London
conference. And then it may be too late.
During the last few weeks the French
government has become seriously con-
cerned over Indo- China. Three or four
uprisings have taken place in that i'm
portant French colony. They have been
traced to Japan's hand For the time
being Japan is still pretty busy in China;
q ''nationalistic" movement is being pre-
pared in that French colony with the
object of sending the colonizers back to
Europe.
The colonies of the Netherlands face
an even greater menace and Great Britain
has finally begun to realize that an over
whelmingly strong Japan is far more dam
eerous than powerful Germany or Italy.
The French government, therefore, has
ordered light squadron, composed OF two
fast cruisers and two destroyer leaders, to
proceed to Saigon, the principal French
naval base in Indo-China. Reports, not
yet oficially confirmed, indicate that more
ships, mainly submarines, are ready to sail
for the same destination on "a hours
notice.
Blockade of Japan Considered.
The British are contemplating sending
number of warships to the Far East. But,
In order not to excite public opinion and
rouse opposition these units will be dis
patched singly from the Mediterranean to
Ceylon, which, according to reports, has
been selected as the rendezvous of the
British feet. Thence. provided all the "ifs"
and "whens" are complied with, it will pro-
ceed In feet formation to Singapore.
Nevertheless. the London conferees
agreed that the initial step for any positive
action must be left to the United States
Government.
The administration has only vaguely inti-
mated It's reaction to this decision. The
State Department still believes in secret
diplomacy 1t is trying to build up the
interest Of the people Of this country in
. possible strong move, relying on their
general dislike Of relationships and Of
nations which treat international obliga-
lions lightly.
President Roosevelt and his State De-
partment advisers recognize clearly the
dangers which will threaten the welfare
Of this country in the event the dictator
ships are permitted to carry on their poll
cies without challenge.
Despite endeavors to minimize the effect
Of Brazil's acceptance Of the totalitarian
state idea, and despite the assurances that
sooner or later everything will be all right
again IN South America, there is feeling
of discomfort in oficial quarters. For the
Germans and the Italians are going to
make bid for definite control Of the Latin
American republics before long.
Vargas In Tough Spot.
oetulio Vargas stanch friend Of the
United States-has been compelled to do
awxy with the old Brazilian constitution.
But, dictator that he is, he must consider
Also the large Italian, German and Japa-
neDe populations In his country. When the
time comes for the Germans and the Ital-
iAns to bring into their fold one of the
most important South American republics
they can stage first-class revolution in
Brall-under the guise of an anti-Com-
munist drive. It is conceivable-even
probable-that If the ruling dictator does
not play their game, large number of
''volunteers' will pour into South America
- they did in Spain. Brazil's long sea-
coast makes it practically impossible to
stop the transport of troops, arms and
ammunition into the country. Its navy Is
not large enough to police It's sea border
y The President Of Brazil Is on friendly
terms with the United States, there u no