Jan. 20.
Despite the outbursts of the Japanese Press against Mr. Cordell Hull's testimony before the Foreign Relations Committee of the U, S, House of Representatives, the Japanese Government appears to have received it with considerable restraint, a sharp contrast with journalistic sabre rattling. Mr. Hull's renouncements were necessary and justi-fable, for the time has long passed when perhhaps less forthright statements would have served, and there cannot now be the slightest doubt as to the real position in the Pacific. There is on the parts of Great Britain and the United States the keenest possible desire maintain peace in this section of the world. There are also in Japan important circles animated with the same desire. They are not at present in power. Instead a clique of military extremists holds the reins, men who completely fail to realize the full signi leance of all the developments which have taken place since they were persuaded into entering into an alliance with the Rome-Berlin Axis. The story of the adroit manner which German intrigue brought this about will doubtless make interesting reading at some future date.
When, last August, Japan took that step it was largely predicated upon the assumption that the European war was practically all over but the shouting, and that Great Britain \would shortly be forced to her kinoes. What has happened since completely discredits the political soothsayers who saw early Axis victory. The Battle of Britain has meant no success for Hitler. In Albania the Italians ave been, and continue to be defeated. In Northern Africa they have met with major reverses and face even a greater one. In Moly German penetration is taking place to prevent a defeated Ttaly seeking a separate peace, while Hitler's frantic endeavours dur-{ng October to present the United States with 1 fait accompli of a Europe united in a ow Order," whatever that may mean, met with complete failure. On the other hand Great Britain's feet are planted on the path victory, and with the mighty ald in materials from the United States that victory assured. The result is that what to the Japanese extremists looked a particularly good move in August last now turns out to be a development which has bound their country toa creaky and very uneasy combination, and one which sooner oF later will face utter That is the position now. It is possible to make the allegation that so far as Japan is concerned it would also be the position in the event of a German victory. The very areas on which the Japanese extremists cast such longing eyes in the Pacific are equally fas desirable, and necessary to the Germans for economi¢ reasons which are plain for all men to see, Is it then to be believed for tone instant that a victory-flushed Hitler would deal any more straightly with Japan than he obviously contemplates dealing with Mussolini? The history of the man with his treachery, and knavery provides the answer. The Tripartite Alliance is, and was always intended to be a serap of paper, and in tact represents the paradoxical union of the high principles of bushido on the one hand with the despicable doctrines of dishonour, such as those which inspire Hitler and Mussolini, on the other. Consider for one moment how Hitler' betrayed the Anti-Komintern Pact in August, 1939, because it sulted his evil purpose to do so, It is then possible to under stand the pig in a poke which German intrigues with Japanese extremists succeeded in selling the Japanese nation.
Fortunately there is no desire on the part of either Great Britain or the United States fo force the pace in the Pacific. Indeed there is still a consistent searching for better relations with Japan, oven if in that search {it has been necessary to, speak with a certain amount of bluntness. It would have been the height of foolishness had not the two great democracies made it quite clear where they stand, a fact which the Japanese Press fails to appreciate though some in the Government may. If prudent counsels were to prevail the world would see the Japanese Seeking (0. reorient their policies, moving away {om the Axis which stands already Aiseredited, and adopting an attitude which would be more consistent with their best inferests. Obviously they can expect nothing' from Germany, or ltaly.In the event of their defeat, and more than certain that Japan would benet Itt in the very unlikely event of their winning the struggle in Europe.
Germany has almost entirely succeeded in Jeading Japan down the garden path, and the time has come for her to consider her position and commence retracing her steps.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.