Evening star., 1941-08-30


great naval now &sA
ers to prevent David Lawrence.
the disturbance of peace in the
Pacific.
Japan has before her, however, the
tri-partite agreement whereby she
agreed to attack the nations which
would align against Italy and Ger
many. That agreement was put
into effect before Hitler attacked
Russia and the military contingent
cies that face Japan are totally diff
ferent now from what they were
before that event.
Japan, for instance, sees the United
States sending aid via Siberia.
Japan also sees the United States
Navy ready to protect the southern
routes whereby aid to Russia and
Britain can be consigned to ports
in the Persian Gulf.
If Japan, therefore, plays Hitler's
game, she will start trouble and use
her navy to prevent those shipments
of munitions from reaching Russia
or Britain. Japan cannot be on both
sides of the fence. She must choose
Hitler or friendship with America.
Agreement Believed Reached.
The conversations between Ad-
miral Nomura, the Japanese AM
bassador here, and President Roose-
welt are exploring the implications
OF that choice.
Japan naturally wants to know
what the future holds in store for
her if she goes along with the
United States. America, before an
swering, wants to know, on the other
hand, that Japan has definitely cast
her lot with the United States.
The belief prevails here that an
agreement in principle has been
reached, namely, that the section of
tri-partite agreement which in ef-
feet committed Japan to be hostile
to the United States will be al
lowed to die. That obligation which
Japan was to decide for herself when
to fulfill if at all will be emascu-
lated in practice. though not in
30 many words.
Once Japan decides to play ball
with America, what can the United
States do for Japan? There are
many things principally economic
and there are some also in the field
of Far Eastern policy.
Thus the most important service
the United, States can perform for
Japan is to mediate the Japanese
Chinese war and bring it to an end
If possible. The japanese have de-
clared they do not wish to impair
China's sovereignty or independ-
ence but merely wish commercial
and economic outlets for their pro-
duction. The United States and
Britain alone have the financial
resources to develop Chinese eco
nomic resources. If peace can be
achieved, the markets in the Far
East will be increased for Japan.
Could Aid in Latin America.
Similarly, the United States has
never exercised any dominion over
Latin-American trade except in
time of war. If Japan is ranged
alongside of the United States,
there is no reason why Japanese
trade with Latin America should
not be resumed with the friendly
aid of the United States Certainly
If this country is to assist Japan in
getting access to trade outlets in
Latin America on the principle of
the open door in commerce, the
same principle can be adhered to
by the Japanese in cooperating
with the United States and Britain
In getting access to Chinese markets.
There is the basis for a peace in
the Far East with the United States
and Britain, and possibly the Dutch
government, guaranteeing the status
quo. Japan can quickly recover her
trade with the United States and
get unlimited oil supplies and a
restored market for her silk if she
will only decide to adopt friendly
attitude toward the United States
and definitely take steps to eradi-
cate from Toxic the Nazi elements
which have been stimulating the
military and other elements in
Japan to provoke friction with the
United States. Progress is being
made toward a momentous settle
ment of all outstanding issues. Both
sides are encouraged by what has
been achieved thus far. The truth
Is both governments have gotten
down to brass tacks and in the inti-
macy of diplomatic conversations
have established for each other
the respect that is necessary in
order to find genuine formula for
continued peace.
Reproduction Rights Reserved)