Evening star., 1941-11-18
Nomura Takes
Hopeful View
OF Hull Talks
japanese Envoy
Asks Why Press
Is So Gloomy
By GARNETT ID. HORNER.

A Japanese declaration that "ve
are very hopeful marked the re-
sumption today of efforts in con-
ferences at the State Department
to compromise differences that have
brought Japanese American rela-
tions close to the breaking point.
The optimistic expression came
from Admiral KlchisaDuro Nomura,
the japanese Ambassador. as he and
Saburo Kurusu Japan's special
peace emissary. called on Secretary
of State Hull TO speed toward a con-
clusion the discussions which may
determine the issue of peace or war
in the Pacific.
After preliminary talks in which
President Roosevelt participated Tor
more than an hour yesterday 1t was
presumed that Mr.. Hull and ths
japanese ENJOYS would get down to
brass tacks" today IN stating their
proposals for reConCihng the con.
ficting policies of the United States
and Japan in the Far East.
Asks Reasons for Gloom.
why are the newspapers here so
gloomy?" Mr.. Nomura remarked TO
reporters at the State Department.
We are very hopeful
Continuing with smile. the AM
basSador remarked You Amerl-
cans always are in fighting mood
why are you so war minded
Mr.. Kurusu interjected that Amer
/ leans used to talk Of naval holl-
days." and suggested that a press
/ holiday" might facilitate the dlplo-
matte discussions now. after being
reminded that the Toxic press has
had a warlike tone recently.
Agree on Difficulties.
The difficulty of agreeing on a
peaceful adjustment Of Japanese
American relations was recognized
by both sides. Mr.. Hull said frank
" Yesterday that it was too early to
tell whether the outlook was optl-
mistic or pessimlstic. Mr.. Kurusu
said. as he arrived here by airplane
from Toxic Saturday. that he be-
lieved there was fighting chance
for success.
There have been no developments
to brighten the outlook for a COM
promise settlement since MI. Ku-
rusu was sent hurriedly from Toxic
10 assist Ambassador Nomura in
clusion exploratory conversations
which had dragged on between him
and Mr. Hull since last spring, with
out developing any basis for nego-
tiation.
Hopes for an understanding being
reached now appear TO hang on
whether Mr. Kurusu has brought
any new proposals from Toxic that
would indicate a willingness by
Japan 10 compromise her militant
aims for complete dominance in
new order" for East Asia, and
withhold active collaboration with
/ Germany.
L. S. Price of Accord.
If Japan is willing to settle her
undeclared war with China on a
basis considered fair TO the Chi
! nese. give satisfactory evidence Of
foregoing further aggression and
not hindering the fight against Hit
Ter, this Government, it is under
stood. is ready to give Japan the
whole hearted economic co-opera-
ton she so desperately needs.
While the Japanese minimum re-
quirements as stated in an address
TO the Diet yesterday by Premier
General Hideki Tojo appeared un-
compromising. Ambassador Nomura
remarked to reporters that that's
just your Interpretation.
The chief demands listed by the
Premier called for an end to what
he termed the hostile economic
blockade and military enlightenment
/ of Japan. ard for this country and
/ Great Britain to keep hands off
/ Japan's conflict with China It ap-
! peared that the first two points
would virtully solve themselves if
some face-saving compromise could
be worked out on the China affair
and the japanese position in the
Axis.