AMERICAN POLICY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 November 1938, Page 5

AMERICAN POLICY

TEARING UP OF TREATIES CONDEMNED. SPECULATION REGARDING BRITAIN. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WASHINGTON, November 5. Breaking silence on Japan’s recent pronouncements with regard to her plans for the future of China and the possibility of a new three-Power pact between Japan, Manchukuo, and China, the Secretary of State, Mr Cordell Hull, declared today that the United States stood by its treaties and stood for international law and fair play. He added that America’s position was well understood. The statement is taken as being a reply to the Japanese suggestion that the Nine-Power Treaty be denounced. The treaty cannot be terminated without the consent of all the signatories, and Mr Hull made it clear that the United States will not consent. Japan, therefore, can terminate it only by tearing it up. Washington is now debating whether Britain will back the United States or whether, as in the case of the protests regarding Manchuria, she will let America stand alone. Mr Hull was noncommittal on reports that the United States is' approaching other Governments with a view to denouncing their commercial treaties with Japan. It is rumoured that the United States will denounce the 1911 treaty if the reply to the Note sent on October 6 is unsatisfactory.