Evening star., 1938-02-06
Uncertainty of Britain's Aid
Checks U.S.in Toxic Reprisals
American Navy Seen Adequate to Accept Japan's
Challenge but Cash Interests Rule
England Political Idealists.
By CONSTANTINE BROWN.
FTER a few weeks of compar,

By CONSTANTINE BROWN.
FTER few weeks of comparative
n quiet. the specter Of war once more
~ has gripped Washington The ac-
a cumulation of incidents in the Far
East has brought another crisis to a head,
Within less than fortnight after the
closing Of the Panay incident, American
houses in China were broken into by the
Japanese soldiery, and educational institu-
tions, built and subsidized by American
money were converted into stables for the
Japanese cavalry. Even the Chinese bri-
gands had respected these institutions IN
the past. American citizens have been
molested and number of unpleasant con-
f1icts have occurred between the American
force stationed in Shanghai and the JAP
anese army OF occupation.
When these incidents were brought tn
the attention of the State Department.
both President Roosevelt and Secretary
Hull agreed with the japanese foreign
ONCE that such manifestations of violence
are inevitable in region where a bitter
conHlct Is raging. AS long as there was
no Definite proof that the japanese armies
were Wantonly attacking the citizens and
the property OF the United States in
China the administration maintained a
tolerant attitude On January II a note
was presented to Foreign Minister Hirota
pointing out the outrages committed bv
the organized Japanese forces against
American citizens and educational insti-
tutlons. The Secretary of State asked
the japanese government to reinforce
the instructions ito the army of occupa-
tion), which already have been issued in
such a way as to serve effectively to pre-
vent the repetition Of such outrages." The
note was mild in tone and served princi.
paly TO put "on record" certain incidents
known in Toxic and Washington.
Punishment Not Made an Issue.
Even the fact that the japanese govern
ment had not actually punished the cul-
prls OF the Panay incdent-with the ex-
cepton OF the removal from China of a
number OF high-ranking offcers-was not
made into an issue. The administration
took the view that the mere Statement,
that those responsible would be adequately
oealt with was sufficient Whether thev
were court-nartialed or promoted was a
matter for the Japanese government to De.
eide
But the slap administered by Japanese
sentry to John M. Allison. third secretaru
OF the American Embassy at Nankinz once
more stralned American-Japanese rela-
tions. Ihs was not drunken or dis
orderly japanese private attacking a white
man. The assault occurred when the rec-
oenized representative of the American
government went to see the Japanese ALL
thor1tles on official business.
Japanese military policeman accor,.
panied the American diplomat. Mr.. Alu-
son, Who speaks the japanese language
nuently, explained to the sentry the Dur.
pose OF his visit, and was attacked in the
presence OF a japanese officer who hurled
insults at the American official. Further
more, the Japanese army spokesman found
'nat the sentry did his duty when he
slapped Mr. Allison,s face
Oespite the formal assurances given by
tne japanese government in its note ~
December "a that there would ba M
1urther molestation Of Americans in China
tnere appears to be no doubt that tho
Japanese military clique is FOLLOWING q
pohcy independent of the governments
oHcial policy. and that the latter has no
means OF enforcing its guarantees and
promises. The military group is bent on
eradicating, by force if necessary and
regardless OF consequences, the inf,uenc.
OF tne western powers in China. Tho
much advertised fear and reluctance Of
Japan to become entangled in a conflict
with the United States" does not deter
tnem That this is no longer only a theory
emanatlng principally from jingoists and
the big navy people is evidenced bv the
published and unpublished Incidents Of
the last few weeks.
Becomes 4 Challenge.
The question at the present time is no
longer Can we come to terms with the
japanese and if so what are those termso"
but Shall we acknowledge Japans supren-
acy IN the Far East with all its f,ltur.
consequences, or shall we accept Japanls
challenger"
Washington's concern is will the
American public indorse a policy Of re-
tallation to Japan's provocations?"
The President feels that We are more
than sufficiently prepared to meet any
eventuality. The Navy is ready for action
whether or not the new costly program
goes into operation. The hundreds of mill
lions which will be spent on new ships
are a guarantee for the future" and
Will maintain a relative equality of the
United States Navy with the other world
navies. If and when another international
connagration breaks out Those in close
touch with our maritime defense feel that
1t Is up to any task. It has a greater
striking power than any other navy-in-
Guiding that Of Great Britain. 1t has at
its head men like the Iowan Admiral Will
liam Leahy. chief Of operations; Claude
Bloch. the Kentuckian who commands the
forces at sea. and Edward Kalbfuss the
Pennsylvania who commands the battle
force-all men who are not day dreamers
and who vouch for the ability of the Navy
to do anything asked by the Nation.
Two Reprisal Courses.
The reprisak which can be adopted
against Japan, should that country main
tain its present truculent attitude, are
either q blockade Of her commerce by
closing the sea routes to her merchan mt