JAPAN SEEKS A WAY OUT.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 October 1939, Page 4

JAPAN SEEKS A WAY OUT.

ALTHOUGH it is only a few days since her policy in China was made the subject of some exceptionally plain speaking by the American Ambassador in Tokio (Mr J. C. Grew)., Japan is showing a distinct inclination at present to make ingratiating advances to the United States. These advances have been and it seems likely that they will continue to be, very coldly received. Suggestions that the United States might mediate in the SinoJapanese hostilities apparently originate only with Japan. At all events, the American Secretary of State (Mr Cordell Hull) has stated significantly that he is without information regarding any Chinese proposal that the United States should mediate.

The conclusion of the German-Russian Pact was a great blow to -Japan and there have been indications that her Government is increasingly nervous regarding America’s policy in the Par East. Japanese statesmen, it is said, have reached the conclusion that no policy that is based on trust in either Germany or Russia can be considered wise or safe. According to the Shanghai correspondent of the “Sydney Morning Herald,” Mr 11. G. W. Woodhead, these statesmen “are likely to take the view that one major war on their hands at a time, is sufficient, and —despite the truculence of a. portion of their Press —to avoid pressing their onslaughts upon foreign interests in China to an extent which will force a show-down with the United States.”

At the moment, -Japan is concentrating upon efforts to secure a temporary agreement witli the United States to replace the commercial treaty recently denounced by the American Government in protest against Japanese policy imChina. The denunciation takes effect (after the expiration of six months’ notice) on -January 26, 1940. Apparently, however, -Japan hopes to negotiate a new agreement, on the basis of an American recognition of Japanese pretensions in China. Of this, Mr Woodhead declares, there is not the remotest prospect because the denunciation of the treaty “was decided upon to open the way for stronger and more effective opposition Io Japan’s policy should it be pursued.” Apparently Japan must be prepared to modify very considerably her aims in China if she hopes even to re-establish normal commercial relations with the United States.