first magnitude. The trouble is that, ike Great] Britain, the United States of America, is much bewildered by the amazing developments of Japanese pressure on China and China's} [determination to call a halt to the process of {foreign encroachment. In the hostilities which have accrued, vast and important interests of third parties have been jeopardized, Those third parties have the support of their Gov-lornments but the privilege is distinctly fcreumscribed by responsibilities of which every intelligent student of world affairs well aware. Actually, by the happy ce-oper fon of foreign commanders and foreign diplomats, much is being done to mitigate the resultant evils. More undoubtedly will have {to be done, but it is essential that the commitments assumed by the respective governments should be kept down to the barest porsible limits. In that spirit it will be agreed that the views of President Roosevelt coincide closely" with those of other governments, albeit he may have been extremely forthright]
his exposition.
The official announcements are definite and emphatic on the need for Americans to remain in certain "key" occupations and to keep running essential services. That is of course understood, Here in Shanghai there is far too much evidence of the vital importance fof the American community for any other thought to be entertained. Yet some would go beyond this classification. Like other for~ eigners Americans have been finding in China feereers of much public value, and have also [developed undertakings the disappearance of which would constitute a rea! loss tothe people} of this country. Such Americans may feel that Jeven if they cannot bring themselves. within the categories named by Washington, their desertion at this phase would be unthinkable fand, incidentally, damaging to their own [country's prestige. This view is shared with British, French, Scandinavians, Germans and other foreigners. Tt requires emphasis. It not unworthy. "It indicates a sense of duty and responsibility to the community Whole. It is the essence of the spirit which fnelped to build up Shanghai and will fayallable to rebuild when the time comes. Foreign nationals here realize that their Gov-fernments have to be guided by broad issues of policy beyond the narrow limits of special interests here. Those risks they are prepared take; so many of them have no option. It is not unreasonable therefore that they should be assured that their home governments recognize the motives animating their loyalty {to China in general and Shanghai in. particular and, so far as high policy permits, will make available the same protective facitites jas are set in motion anywhere lee. when trouble overcomes the merchant, trader or pioneer in an alien land. So far'the official representatives of Governments here have shown no remissness in Keeping this view._It is not surprising, however, that Me. Roosevelt's utterance should have caused] alarm. It has not done harm for it has en-fabled Americans here to receive firm assur ances of real value. That has had a heart-Jening effect on Shanghailanders generally.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.