The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1941-03-26
WEDNESDAY. MARCH 20. 1871
ne rRIPLE ALLIANcE


Japanese non.aggression pact, can
result from the presence in Moscow
OF Yosuke Matsuoka, Japans for
elgn minister. The triple alliance
effectively bars Japan from a
pledge OF durable peace with Rus
sia. apart from whatever inherited
mutual suspicious exist between
the two countries.
Under the forms Of the alliance,
Japan is pledged to give ali pos
sible military aid 10 Germany, II
the Germans are attacked by any
nation that was neutral in the
present war when the alliance was
signed last September This means
that II Russia moves against Ger
many the japanese must become
hostile TO the Russians.
A non.aggression pact, however,
would pledge Russia and Japan not
to attack each other. Such an
{ agreement, If unlimited in scope,
would mean Japan's reputation
of her sponsibilities under the
triplice.
Matsuoka has been frank in
stating publicly that his country
will abide by the terms of the
triple alliance. He had made this
assertion several times and Mos
COW reports quote him as saying
that the triplice els the pivot OF
Japanese foreign policy"
That declaration could hardly
give any pleasure to the Soviet gov.
eminent. 1t is difficult to inter
pref the Japanese foreign minis
ter's open statement as being other
than a warning to Russia not to
become embroiled against the Axis,
When Japan signed the triple al
lance, there could be no question
about Tokyo's expectation that
Russia TO adopt a policy OF amity
toward Japan. Had that followed,
Japan would have had a valuable
gain and a tangible asset to bal
ance somewhat her promise OF aid
to Germany in the event Of the
spread Of the European war.
Events have turned out other
wise. The Russians, like the Unit
ed States. have no recourse but
TO interpret the triplice as being
potentially directed against them
selves.
Especially must this be the case
since Matsuoka has been so fire.
quently outspoken in his issue OF
warnings TO the world not to mis-.
interpret Japan's pledge TO the
Axis. There can be no complaint
anywhere that the policy advocat.
ed by the Japanese foreign minister
is one Of concealment or hesitancy.
His own words must be accepted
as yoicing the Viewpoint Of those OF
his countrymen who seem deter
mined TO bind Japans future TO the
future OF European totalitarianism
= Russia unquestionably understands
this fact and in consequence has
held aloof from binding herself 10
unlimited friendship with Japan.
HStaiin we're TO agree 10 a full
non-aggressiOn pact with the Jap
anese, II would mean he had thrown
IN Russia's lot with the Axis That.
IN turn would be tantamount 10
recognizing Hitler's supremacy in
Europe. which Russia cannot. do
with any honest intent Of abiding
by such decision
Aatstisrs4 tf~ft-fuurt Il trfxviz
showing perturbation over the
pressure Of Germany in southea 81.
ern Europe. One reason Why Hit.
Ter has been moving against Rus.
sia's interests in the Balkans is the
existence Of the triple alliance.
which gives Germany an emergency
ally partly modified against Rus.
sia's eastern border.
Under such circumstances. Rys-
STA Is compelled 70 refrain from
direct action and TO be somewhat
circumspect in her foreign policy.
Tor the time being That does not
mean. however, that the Slavs are
so distrustful OF their own power
as TO recognize the permanent su.
premacy Of the signatories 10 the
triple alliance
Only a conviction in Moscow that
the Germans are destined ito rule
Europe and Japan 10 rule the
Orient could induce Stain 10 be.
come obedient 70 the Axis. No
such decision, however. would seem
possible for experienced states
men anywhere at the present stage
OF the war, especially in the face
OF Americas aid 10 Britain policy
IL seems reasonable to conclude
therefore, that when Matsuoka
returns to Tokyo. he will have no
unlimited non'aggresslon pact with
Russia In his pocket. Whatever
else he may carry back with him.
can scarcely include removal o,
Stalin's dislike Of Japan's ambl.
lions in the East and Germany's
in the West.
II he should succeed in securing
such an agreement II would mean
that Stain is expecting Germany
TO win the war and that he has no
confidence in Russia's ability 10
withstand German dictatorship
Front'line petroleum workers
wear invisible gloves" which come