Evening star., 1938-01-11
WAR DECLARATION
ENTA|[SARMSBA BAN
Toxic Move Expected to
Force Roosevelt Use of
Neutral Law.
b the Associated Press,

T Japan formally declares war on
China, State Department officials said
today, it would be difhcult for Presi-
dent Roosevelt to refrain from invok-
Ing embargo provisions of the Ameri-
can Neutrality Act.
The act bans shipn.ens Of war sup
plies to both belligerents whenever the
President decides state Of war exists.
Some observers contended its invoca-
ton would aid Japan. which has
greater facilities than China for max
ing munitions.
House Action Cheers Officials.
Officials studying the Far Eastern
situation said they were encouraged by
House refusal to consider the Ludlow
war referendum proposal, which Presi-
dent Roosevelt had declared would
cripple any President in his conduct
OF our foreign relations"
House leaders said the 200 to 1873
vote had strengthened the adminis-
tration's foreign policy and at the
same time augured we'll for any new
naval construction which the Presi-
dent might recommend.
The most crucial point involved in
the possible Japanese declaration Of
war on China, observers commented,
lay in the blockade Japan might seek
to impose against all foreign shipping
IN the war zone.
During December the State Depart
ment licensed the export of $3.50 ,282
worth Of munitions to Japan and
S290,63 to China. If the Neutrality
Act were invoked. no such purchases
would be permitted in the future
In addition. the President could re-
quire that other purchases made by
belligerents in this country be on
cash-and-carry basis.
5000 Americans in China.
Secretary Hull, reporting to the
Senate that there are still about 5000
Americans in China. summed up the
Governments attitude as one of pri-
mary concern over maintenance of
orderly processes" in foreign rela-
tions.
This interest,"" he said, "far tram
scends in importance the value of
American trade with China or Ameri-
can investment in China. 1t transcends
even the question of safeguarding the
immediate welfare of American citi-
Gems in China"
Administration leaders in the House,
discussing reports that q new feet ex-
rorSinr
expressed the opinion privately that
the Ludlow vote meant the majority
OF House members was committed to
. policy of preparedness.
There were reports that Mr.. Roose-
velt would ask for about S60O0O,OO0
tor two new battleships.
Admiral Leahy. chief of naval
operations, said after a White House
conference yesterday that the plans
under discussion contemplated new
legislation.
This was taken to mean that
cruisers and aircraft carriers were
contemplated, since these are the only
major type of vessels not authorized
under existing law.
vote Spit Party Lines.
Party lines were split in the vote
on the proposal of Representative Lud-
low, Democrat, of Indiana. His reso-
luton called for . constitutional
amendment which would prevent Con-
gress from declaring war until author
lied by majority of the citizens, vot-
ing in a national referendum. This
would not apply when the United
States was invaded
The decision reversed the wishes Of |
the House majority-2l8 members-I
who last month signed petition for
the amendments consideration.
The National Council for Prevention
Of War, representing a group of peace
organizations favoring the legislation,
said in a statement last night that |
'the fight has just begun"
"The exhibition of presidential con-
troll OF Congress In peace time shows
clearly" it said, that Congress cannot
be counted upon to check the ad-
ministration in any war crisis. 1t is
. clear argument for the necessity of
giving the people themselves the right |
to vote on war issues"