Evening star., 1941-11-28
No Far Eastern Munich

The brief and slightly cryptic
statement given out by the State
Department to the press regarding
Americas answer to the japanese
ENJOYS should be treated with re-
serve.
Nevertheless, one thing seems clear,
both from the statement itself and
explanatory remarks by the Depart
ment'S spokesman. This is that the
American Government is adhering
to the basic principles" which have
governed its Far Eastern policy, not
only during the incumbency of Sec
retary Hull but also of his predeces-
sor, Mr.. Stimson. These principles,
clearly set forth by Secretary Hull
in July, 1887, preclude any yielding
to japanese demands for recognition
of its aggresSions in China, its occu-
patton of French Indo-China, or it's
claims to Far Eastern dominance
through a so-called "Co-ProSperity
Sphere" This would seem to refute
rumors that Washington was willing
to make even a temporary arrange
ment with Toxic which would tacitly
acknowledge and acquieSce in the
positions gained by japanese mill
tary might and strongarm diplo-
macy.
While the text of our Governments
answer to japanese proposals has
not been made public, the general
assumption is that it reiterates the
position that Japan must evacuate
China, abandon the Axis, and gen.
orally reverse its policy of military
and economic aggression before an
agreement with the United States is
possible. Offhand, this does not
seem to leave much room for further
negotiation, since Japan's present
leaders have committed their coun-
try to the hilt, and probably could
not back down without such cumu-
lative loss of face as would invite a
domestic revolution which might
shatter the established political and
social order in the Island Empire
Throughout the Far East, the news
from Washington is producing omi-
nous repercussions. Official Toxic is
silent, but the press renews its anti
American attacks. Our Embassy
there again warns Americans to leave
Japan while they may. The last of
our marines at Shanghai are aboard
ship, together with most of our naval
YangtSe patrol. Conversely, Japan
is evacuating its nationals from eX-
posed areas. There are indications
of an impending japanese attack on
Thailand. The approaches to Singa-
pore have been mined, and new
staff talks are taking place at Ma
Mia and elsewhere. The general
feeling throughout the Orient is that
there should be "battening down"
like that done at the approach of a
typhoon.
These precautionary measures are
doubtless as wise as they are sig
nificant. Yet they do not necessarily
mean that war is inevitable or about
to break. What may easily occur is
further negotiation or no negotia-
ton at all, with Japanese American
relations continuing to WorSen but
with Japan avoiding the fatal step
which would cause open hostilities.
The japanese leaders still may be
sparring for time in order to see how
the Russo-German campaign will be
decided before winter settles down
completely. The Libyan campaign
and German pressure upon Vichy
likewise hang in the balance. While
time, in the long run, is against ia
pan, a margin of inactivity is still
possible.
The situation can thus be described
as highly critical but not hopeless.
Logic would indicate an irreconcil-
able deadlock between American and
japanese diplomacy. Yet logic is
sometimes confounded by the course
of events. Until the last word is
clearly spoken and the guns begin
their grim argument, restrained OPP
timism is justified.