A third development which was regarded as of extreme significance was Mr. Cordell Hull's comment. today on Japan's reply to the American Open Door" representations in which he characterized the reply as being not responsible and not satisfactory. Since the original American demand carried an implied threat of retaliation, some authorities here saw in the Secretary of State's comment a possible forerunner of the application of embargoes against Japan. Such would be applied under the punitive tariff provisions of the Neutrality Act.
It was also learned that a large number of women's organizations, civic bodies and peace organizations are arranging for a joint conference to be held before the opening of Congress when joint resolutions will be passed recommending alterations of the Neutrality Act.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.