No single Power felt justified in taking the initiative in recommending a less passive policy, and, in these circumstances, hard facts imposed restraint upon all.
It is possible, indeed, that this restraint may prove in the end to have been beneficial by preventing decisions which, in the present temper of Japen, might have barred the door against mediation.
"The Times" adds that the British Government have nothing with which to reproach themselves for the failure (which may be only temporary) of the first concerted attempt to bring peace in the Far East.
They were ready to go to all lengths with any other Power, which had constructive proposals to that end. Recent experience, however, had taught them the uselessness of taking the initiative in defending international treaties without assurances that they would obtain something more than platonic support, Without such assurances, "The Times" believes, they could not reasonably commit their country to course of action which would inevitably have ended in fiasco. Meanwhile, they remain in constant consultation with other Governments who share their desire for the early re-establishment of peace.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.