Evening star., 1940-09-28
Official Says We
Must Prepare for
All Eventuulities

must prepare for all eventualltleS
Undersecretary of State Sumner
Welles declared today the japanese
government intends that 1t alone
shall decide" to what extent his
toric American interests in the Far
East will be observed.
In the most detailed analysis Of
foreign policy in many months by
an authorized Government spokes-
man, Mr.. Welles set forth United
States requirements" in the Orient
and EMPHASIZED this Governments
aim of assisting nations whose con-
tinued independence and integrity
contribute toward the maintenance
of peace"
His unusually significant speech,
prepared for delivery before the
Foreign Affairs Council in Cleve-
land this afternoon, was made avail
able to reporters at the State De-
partment.
He frankly said September, 1898,
marked turning point in American
policy. Before then this Govern
ment "eXerted every effort" through
urging peaceful settlement of dis
putes elsewhere ito prevent a world
catastrophe which must inevitably
shake all civilized structures But
since then he added ominously, "the
policy of this Government has been
concerned primarily and consist
emily with the assuring of our own
national defense"
Material Aid to Britain.
At the present most critical mo-
ment in our life as an independent
people" Mr. Welles said the Govern
ment and American people were de-
termined to render all material
support and assistance" in the form
of supplies and munitions to Great
Britain and the British dominionS
''in what we hope will be their sue
cessful defense against armed ag-
gression.'
His declaration of this Govern
ment's requirements in the Far
East for fair dealing was considered
especially significant in view of yes
terday's announcement Of a formal
military alliance among Japan, Ger
many and Italy.
From the standpoint Of reason,
of common sense and of the best
practical interests of all the powers
possessing interests in the Far East, '"
Mr.. Welles said, there is no problem
presented which could not be peace
fully solved through negotiation,
provided there existed a sincere de-
sire on the part Of all concerned to
find an equitable and fair solution
which would give just recognition to
the rights and to the real needs OF
all concerned. '**
The Government of Japan, how
ever. has declared that it intends t.
create new order in Asia In this
endeavor, it has relied upon the in
strumentality Of armed force, and
it has made it very clear that it in
tends that ID alone shall decide to
what extent the historic interests
of the United States and the treaty
rights of American citizens in the
Far East are to be observed
Hundreds of Violations.
Many hundreds of incidents have
occurred in which American rights
have been violated by the Japanese,
Mr.. Welles recalled.
He set forth the essence OF the
primary requirements of the United
States in the Far East as:
Complete respect by all powers
for the legitimate rights of the
United States and of its nationals as
stipulated by existing treaties or as
tenets of international law.
Equality of opportunity for the
trade of all nations.
And finally, respect for those in
ternational agreements or treaties
concerning the Far East to which
though with the expressed under
standing that the United States is
always willing to consider the peace
full negotiation of such notifications
or changes in these agreements or
treaties as may in the judgement OF
the signatorieS be considered neces-
sary in the light of changed condi-
tions"
British HcrOism Praised.
Turning to Europe, Mr.. Welles
praised the heroism of the British
people in defending successfully
their homes and their liberties and
added:
ut is the policy of your Govern
ment, as approved by the Congress
of the United States, and, I believe.
by the overwhelming majority of the
American people, to render all ma
terial support and assistance,
through the furnishing of supplies
and munitions, to the British gov
ernment and to the governments of
the British dominionS in what we
hope will be their successful defense !
against armed aggression"
Reviewing the tragic history of
the international relations of the
past seven years." Mr.. Welles said |
there is just one bright picture of
constructive achievement that
stands out" That, he said. was the
development of close relations
among the 81 American republics.
Il can conceive of no greater safe
guard to the national defense of the |
(See WELLES, Page A-2)