Evening star., 1941-06-21
Japan and America
Exercise Restraint
In Western Pacific
Nippon Giving Evidence
Of Not Having Made
Up Its Mind Yet
BY A. T. STEELE,
Foreign Correspondent Of The Star an
CHICAGO Daily News


SHANGHAI, June 2l.-Restralnt
and caution are current keynotes
in both Japanese and American
policies in the West Pacific as the
United States drifts nearer the
abyss Of war in the Atlantic
Despite the determined words of
its leaders. Japan still continues to
show all the manifestations of
country which has not fully made up
its mind what to do. There is at
least one thing we know for sure
about the Japanese attitude: The
japanese want to postpone their big
decision until a more opportune
time. This is clearly shown by
Japan's kidglove handling of the
Netherlands Indies problem.
There is every indication that the
Japanese do not intend to make
any major move until and unless
the United States becomes full
fledged belligerent in the European
War. For the time being. Japans
international relations are on a day.
to-day basis, with eXpediency as the
sole guide.
In other words, Toxic may be de-
pended upon to seize all safe means
OF advancing its program as oppor-
tunltleS arise, but TO refrain from
action likely to provoke an imme-
diate showdown.
Both Sides Play for Time.
1t is an anomaly that while japan
considers tint its ally. Britain and
America are equally sure that time
favors them. This accounts. more
than anything else. for the present
stagnation in the Far Eastern sit
uatlon. The lull does not mean
that the situation is any less dan
gerous than it has been for months
past. While 1t is easy to assume
That Japan's present non-belliper-
ence is due to waning enthusiasm
Ior her AXIS commitments. there is
always the possibility that the
Japanese are simply engaging in the
NaA game Of playing for time while
PpolLullltleS rlpen.
The fact remains that so far
tnere Is not a single concrete mani
iestatlon OF any basic change in
japanese policy. Japan is becoming
ever more deeply involved in her
AXIS relationship and to eytricate
| herself would be extremely difficult.
Moreover, the tripartite accord
( carries the special blessing of the
Japanese Emperor. The extremists
who put over this pact are still in
the saddle and recent weeks have
seen the solemn reiteration by such
leaders as Foreign Minister Yosuke
| MatSuoka, Foreign Office Adviser
loshlo Shiratori and Admiral
NooumaSa Suetsugo, chief of the
National Service Association. of Ja-
pans intention fully to comply with
the terms of the Axis agreement.
Japans continued membership in
the AXIS must be expected so long
as Germany continues to score mill
/ tary and diplomatic victories. New
ertheleSS, on the really vital oues-
tlon OF whether Japan will enter
in case the United States makes
the plunge. there are plenty of in
olcatlons that the die is not vet cast
Few Want War with L. S.
Nearly all travellers arriving here
from Japan agree that, except for
the extremist minority. there are
| lew IN Japan who want war with
the United States. This dissident
majority includes much of the navy.
most of the rank and file civilians
and all businessmen. Travellers ey-
press the view that despite Japan's
AXIS commitments, expediency
| would be the main guide on an
issue as grave as participation or
non-participation in the war. They
say the japanese decision would
eepend on many factors, including
/ me movements of the American
fleet, the prospects of German VIC
tory, the American embargo policy
and especially the question whether
| the United States enters the Euro
! pean war in such way as to leave
Japan face-saving line of retreat
from her promises to the Axis.
Some believe that, in any case.
Japanese participation would be
slow, perhaps being confined at
first to short -of-war methods of
cooperating with the Axis.
Meanwhile the japanese are max
ing hay in preparation for the
worst. They are laying up reserves
of materials as rapidly as they can
while avoiding any action likely to
invite further Tightening of Amer
ican export restrictions.
Similarly, it has been obvious out
here that Washington'S attitude
during the past month has been
one of studied avoidance of any di-
rect hostile action toward Japan,
though assistance to China con-
tinues apace 1t seems apparent
that Washington still believes in the
possibility of discouraging the Jap
anese war party from hasty action.
! (Copyright, 1941, Chicago Daily News. IncD
/ no14be D1n1xt1l