the rush of emotion caused by the ox-pectation of further and more Intensive aerial Bombing. the Chinese authorities in Nanking have perhaps not unnaturally been inclined. 10. bbe critical of the response-made by foreign diplomats to the warning issued by" Admiral Hasegawa. 'Nanking, it is agreed, has. been [courageous in resisting the alreattacks already launched and its "defences, according othe vailable information to hand, are rolled. upon fo give good accounts of themselves Inthe event' to. which the Japanese "Admiral. has pointed. On reflection, however, it 1s probable that those "who were ready to eritisies the [proposed evacuation of certain embassies to the warships will soften their judgment, Tt will not seriously be argued that the American Government's decision, for example, has been taken out of any Tack of faith in the courage of its foffcias. The pressure which Washington has "endure from. strong political Influences hostile to any" action calculated to involve American subjects. inthe. present. crisis, has been suiciently plain during the last fow days, should be taken into account in assessing the significance of American occasions here. It Is certain thatthe 'American public will' resent fany ack of prudence which tends to obscure hose considerations. "If prudence be desirable, '38 most people will agree iti, then. the American Goverment Is rendering a definite service to China in ensuring that its diplomatic machine is as far os possible {ree to function, without mishap in maintaining contact with the Chinese "authorities. No-one who knows, the personnel of the American 'Embassy here an "ino that lack of sympathy" with Nanking' situation or the qualities of courage properly expected of the "oficial" representatives. el, rear nation is operative in. directing the evacuation. A measure of precaution hes been, taken, "It may yet prove to be a measure of cal benefit to "the smooth conduct of "Sino American diplomatic busin
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.