Peiping, June 10.
The following leader on the "American Embargo Question" from the "Hsin Min Pao" (June 5) of Peiping would appear to be not without a certain significance. This paper is not, as one might gather from the sentiments expressed in the article, a German or even a Japanese newspaper, but a Chinese one, that is supposed, at any rate, to represent the views of the completely free and independent administration of north China. It is difficult to know, which to admire more: the virtuous indignation of this Chinese newspaper at the insincerity of the U.S: A., so very different from the sincerity of their ally, Japan; or its profound contempt for the plutocratic demo-crocies and its elation at their defeat by Germany, so highly proper in a newspaper of a professedly neutral countr; Here is this charming article:—"At a time when the war in Europe is raging violently, when its flames are spreading from day to day, and amidst all these alarms and excursions, the news has just been given to the world, that the U.S.A. has put an embargo on the export of all war material. According to a Transocean message, a spokesman of the United States Cabinet has informed the Japanese Ambassador in Washington that the President's decision to stop the export of war material that was required for their own re-armament would apply to all countries without discrimination.
Alas This is nothing but an attempt of one of the capitalist democratic states to maintain a pretence of neutrality, while at the same time giving assistance to England and France in their efforts to destroy Germany. What is the good of such talk? In politics, as in all else, the truth will out. And it is really nothing but empty talk, when America declares that the ban on the export of needful war materials will be applied to all countries without distinction.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.