Diplomatic circles here stated that the Japanese note refused to acknowledge [the principal arguments in the protest. Well-informed quarters declared that parleys between Powers interested in the Open Door principle in China might follow Japan's answer before Washington fixes its attitude.
In the event that the conversations lake a favourable turn," President Roosevelt may recommend legislation in the United States to answer the discriminatory treatment by the Japanese authorities inflicted upon American interests in China.
Diplomatic circles consider it unlikely that any decisions will be taken against Japan before the Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull's departure for Lima to attend the Pan-American conference there.
Commenting on the Japanese reply, the "New York Times" expressed the opinion that the "annulment of an agreement which is the expression of American policy in the Far East inspires no confidence for future agreements and for the maintenance of friendly relation "Consequently," the paper added, "Japan will most likely do what she likes in China, but it is not probable that she will obtain, for the reconstruction of that country, the aid desired from foreign powers."—Havas.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.