The Waikato Times SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1940 AMERICAN INFLUENCE IN EAST

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21212, 7 September 1940, Page 8

The Waikato Times SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1940 AMERICAN INFLUENCE IN EAST

The steady pressure of American influence in widely spread diplomatic fields is perhaps more effective than is generally realised. Even in the Far East it has already done much to maintain reasonable relations between the nations, and there is still room for much more useful service. When the powerful United States Government informs another State, calmly and with a full sense of responsibility, that a certain course of action would have “an unfortunate effect on public opinion in the United States,” the nation so warned is bound to pause and think carefully before acting. The effect is heightened by «fact that the United States is not only powerful but has kept a level head and has a name synonymous with international honour. Simultaneously with the announcement that the United States had delivered just such advice to Japan comes 'the statement that Japan has withdrawn its ultimatum to Indo-China which demanded the right to transport troops across Indo-China, and other concessions, from the French Government. In some quarters it is suggested that the ultimatum had been withdrawn because the French Government of Indo-China had informed Japan that the terms would be acceptable when the details were worked out. That, however, is contrary to the general attitude of resistance shown by the French Indo-China authorities, and the more likely explanation is that Japan has taken cognisance of the United States’ advice to maintain more peaceful relations.

The Secretary of State, Mr Cordell Hull, reminded Japan of the desire frequently expressed in both countries for the maintenance of the status quo in the East, with special reference to the Netherlands East Indies and Indo-China. He said the United States was reluctant to give credence to reports of Japan’s alleged intentions. “However,” he added, “it is a matter to which the United States attaches importance, and it stands to reason that, if the reports should be wellfounded, the effect on public opinion in the United States will be unfortunate.” The Government at Washington could scarcely, have explained its attitude more plainly. Japan has no desire to quarrel with the United States, and it is a reasonable inference that the warning had something to do with the withdrawal of the ultimatum. The warning applied not only to Indo-China but also to the foreign concessions at Shanghai. Mr Hull indicated that the United States was taking an adamant stand on its refusal to allow Japanese troops to take over all the defence sectors in the international settlement formerly patrolled by the British. All the circumstances suggest that the United States has not by any means lost interest in the Far East. The presence of that interest and influence must have a sobering effect upon Japan when she proceeds with the policy of southward expansion. The advice of so powerful a nation, whose motives are beyond reproach, should assist in giving Japan a perspective of the Eastern situation more in keeping with peaceful and good neighbourly practice as it is accepted amongst the most advanced and honourable nations.