Evening star., 1938-01-16
y. S. Makes Ready to Counter
New Aggression by Japanese
Writer Sees Indications That We Shall Not Accept
Apologies in Case of Another Incident.
Fleet for Atlantic Is Planned.

Of the totalitarian state idea it is believed
in Washington that the majority of the
Latin American republics are still welded
to the principles Of that doctrine and
want to keep the Americas for the Amer
leans.
The weakness displayed by the Western
democracies has had a lamentable effect
on the nations Of the world, and certain
emotional sections Of Brazil, Argentina and
Chile might be inclined to listen to Berlin
and Rome. But it Is doubted here that
the majority of the people in those coun-
tries are in favor of tying up with Hitler
and Mussolini.
A strong Atlantic fleet which will COM
mand respect for the principles Of the
Monroe Doctrine and protect the interests
OF the United States is likely to have the
desired effect on the Latin American re-
publics.
For some reason or other the consensus
among high officials in Washington is that
in the course of this year the japanese
may not be able to refrain from creating
another serious incident with this country.
The Panay affair is not likely to be re-
peated. 1t will be something less spectacu-
lar, but equally damaging. 1t is then that
President Roosevelt may make a show of
force which will hurt Japan more than
the naval demonstration which has been
advocated by many during the last weeks
as an answer to the japanese provocations.
Enemy Trade Act on Books.
Tho no. too
1917 is still on the statute books. 1t was
invoked by Mr.. Roosevelt in March. 1888,
when he decided to close the banks and
control gold and silver.
This act, as originally drafted, read
as follows: Whenever during the pres
ent war the President shall find that
public safety so requires . it shall be
unlawful to import into the United States
from any other country named in such
proclamation any article or articles named
in such proclamation -
On March g, 1888, the act was amended
by Congress to read: whenever during a
war or during national emergency :"
The President thus possesses the power to
proclaim the exclusion of manufactured
products or raw materials such as silk, the
principle article of export from Japan into
the United States. Heretofore, this act has
been used only to prevent the export of
gold and to regulate the gold purchase and
output. But in Informed quarters here it
is suggested that should the japanese con-
tlnue their provocations and adopt meas
ures with intent to hurt our vital national
interests the Chief Executive will retaliate
by imposing an embargo on japanese ey-
ports to the United States.
While blockade would necessitate
sending men-of-war away from the shores
of the United States, exclusion is merely
an administrative act affecting the internal
affairs OF the country. Nevertheless, it
might be considered as an act of war in.
volving reprisals. Any retaliation on the
part of the japanese. however. would mean
ordering their fleet far away from its bases
OF operation at time when the empire is
engaged In major struggle in China
In some quarters it is limited that such
an embargo might be followed by a similar
move on the part of Great Britain and
France. With vast territorial possessions
in the Far East both feel more dangerous
menace in Nppon's aggressiveness than
does the United States.
The administration, however, doubtless
would not resort to this except as an ex-
treme measure in the event the TOXIC civil
government shows itself completely unable
to check its military. Despite the relatively
unimportant investments of the United
States in China and despite the greater
Importance of our trade with Japan, the
administration is determined not to get
out OF the Asiatic mainland in order to
please the Japanese. 1t is equally deter
mined to protect the interests of American
businessmen in that part of the world.
(Copyright, Mcclure Newspaper syndicate)