Evening star., 1941-02-16
Far East Crisis Grips
Interest Of Senate,
Awaiting Aid Debate
leuse-lend Bill Reaches
Floor Tomorrow; Passage
In z Weeks Expected
BY GOULD LINCOLN,

AS tney prepared 1Or the OPEN
ing of debate tomorrow on the
lease-lend bill, members of the Sem
ate last night looked with increas-
ing concern at the Far East sit
uation.
This Government has made it in
creasingly clear it intends to do all
1t can in the way Of aid in materials
and munitions to prevent the fall
of Britain. 1t is recognized on Cap
itol Hill that decisive blow, struck
by Japan, at the British Empire
in the Far East would be particu-
larly devastating. Next to a sue
cessful invasion of the British Isles
it would have as vital a bearing on
the outcome of the war In Europe,
in all probability, as the control by
the axis powers of the Mediter-
ranean.
Reports from the East that Japan
was planning a move to the south,
with the possibility of attack on
British interests all the way from
Singapore to Australia, and also a
move IN the direction of the Meth
erlands Indies have been RESPONSE
BILE for the immediate concern.
These reports have not been con-
flrmed from Japan. But the activ-
ity of Australia, and the tension
there have been noted.
U. S. Interests Considered.
In addition TO reluctance in this
country that the British be subject
ed to this kind of attack in the
Far East. there are the interests OF
the United States in that section OF
the world to be considered.
Earnest hopes were expressed that
peace in the Far East be main
tanned; that Admiral Nomura, the
new japanese Ambassador to this
country, President Roosevelt and
Secretary of State Hull would find
a course to make peace certain.
On the other hand, Senators who
have given the matter study, were
of the opinion that moves outlined
in the more alarming reports from
the East inevitably would lead TO
war and the involvement of the
United States.
L. S. Fleet Is Deterrent.
Press reports from Japan indicate
that government is uncertain as to
how far the United States would go.
The great deterrent at present, and
for months in the past. has been the
presence of the American Fleet in
the Paciflc. The japanese press is
commenting on the possible use of
the fleet, even to its basing on
Singapore.
The belief was expressed that
Japan does not want war with the
United States, any more than the
United States wants war with Japan.
But there is no such belief that
Hitler would not welcome an attack
by the japanese upon the British
in the Far East, Indeed. Mr.. Hitler
is regarded as the fly in the oint-
ment.
Japan's entry into the war at this
juncture. it is believed, would be a
decided gamble, particularly should
that nation have to face both the
naval power of Great Britain-even
though it is curtailed in Eastern
waters at present-and that of the
United States.
China Still a Factor.
Japan still has to reckon with
China. 1t is reported that as long
ago as so days, China could have
made an advantageous peace with
Japan. but rejected the idea, feeling
that 1t would in the end accom-
plish little.
There is Russia to the north. 2
potential threat to Japan'S activi-
ties on the Asiatic Continent. The
Soviet government so far has PLAYED
the game of Hitler and the axis
powers. There is the suggestion that
Hitter is not unmindful of the Rus
sian situation, so far as Japan is
concerned, and that it may be used
by Hitler in persuading Japan it is
TO her interests to move in the Far
East and against the British En-
pire.
Quick Passage Expected.
The lease-lend bill, whose finally
enactment into law appears to be
only question of a couple of weeks,
will leave this Government in a DO
sltlon to give aid to China, as we'll
as to Britain and Greece, if it sees
mt. That fact is discussed also in
Japanese newspapers Further, the
recent indication that Congress will
provide appropriations for building
up American defenseS in Samoa and
Guam. indicating determination on
the part of the American Govern
ment to strengthen its position in
the East, has been the subject of
comment.
Recommendations by this Govern
ment that American nationals with
draw from the Far Eastern coun-
tries, made some time ago, had
Stablllzlng effect and tended to
lessen tension that was growing
as far back as October. The recent
repetition of this warning to Ameri-
can nationals may have a similar
effect.