WORLD BANDITRY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22922, 28 December 1937, Page 9

WORLD BANDITRY

SEEDS SOWN IN PAST

CROP ON THE YANGTSE CRITICAL AMERICAN JOURNAL By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright NEW YORK, Dec.. 20 The New York Times, in a throecolumn leading article, says that the seed of international banditry, which sprouted in the bombs and bullets that destroyed the gunboat Panay on the Yangtse, were sown long before the Japanese invaded China this j ear in violation of treaties. They were sown by Signer Mussolini at Corfu in 1923. by Herr Hitler when he tore up the Treaty of Versailles, by Japan when she seized Manchukuo. and by the \ltalian Army when it seized Ethiopia, if they serve to awaken the I. nited .States to its responsibilities they cannot be written down ns wholly disastrous. Action with Britain Britain anil th»\ CJnited States arc moving in parallel lines, says the news paper, in an attempt to restore order, decency and safety to the world. This parallel course is as sensible as it is strong. A cohesive policy in China is the need of the two Governments if further incitements are to bo averted. The tinted States is not pullina British chestnuts from the fire." adds the journal. "In consulting the British we pull chestnuts from our own fire, as the Panav incident vividly brines to mind "

The newspaper insists that owing to 1 nited States politics and traditions joint action with Britain if< impossible, but parallel action is sufficient. It indicates that bankers could refrain from granting credits, and the sale of raw materials coidd be stopped. Influence for Peace It adds that with the present concert between Britain and America in the Far East as a model, peace will come sooner to the world. The Government at Washington, in such an undertaking, is truly representing the sense and sentiment of the American people. The United States, without firing a shot, car regain lost leadership, and the President and Mr. Hull, Secretary of State, are moving wisely and securely to a dearly-desired objective.

The "Washington correspondent of the New York Herald. Tribune telegraphs that as the Japanese Government pro-

longed its deliberations regarding its reply to America, officials were disposed to .make their annoyance evident. Mr. Hull announced that the American Ambassador to China, Mr. Johnson, would remain with the Chinese Gvernmcnt at Hankow.

This friendly gesture to the harassed Chinese Government was all the more marked since other Ambassadors, with the exception of the German, had withdrawn to Shanghai, leaving only Charges d'Affaires.

SOLDIERS OF JAPAN PRAISE BY EMPEROR NATION BEHIND ARMY CONFIDENCE IN LOYALTY TOKIO, Dec. 28 When ceremonially opening the Diet, Emperor Hirohito expressed gratification at Japan's relations with other Powers to which she was bound by treaties. The Emperor noted the growing friendship and cordiality that was becoming apparent. He said : "Our officers and men are winning every battle and are enhancing their military prestige, both at home and abroad, while the nation is solidly behind the gun. We are confident of attaining our ultimate objective by depending upon the unswerving loyalty and devotion of the whole nation." The Address to the Throne referred to Japan's punitive expedition, which was steadily progressing with every promise of the establishment of peace in the Far East.

UNITED STATES FLEET DOUBLE SIZE ADVOCATED WASHINGTON. Dec. 20 Mr. M. J. Maas, the senior Republican member of the House of Representatives Committee, demanded the doubling of the American Fleet. He said that the Pacific Fleet would be wholly inadequate in the event of hostilities, because European as well as Far Eastern Powers would be involved. Mr. Maas said he understood President Roosevelt was recommending a /50,000,000-dollar increase in the Navy appropriations for 1 9.38-39 in order to start the construction of two more battleships and several smaller vessels. He added that a proposal for four more battleships was also being discussed.

Mr. E. T. Taylor, chairman of the Appropriations -Committee of the House, demhnded more powerful naval nnd air fleets. "Many Americans," he said, "believe that the United States should not supinely submit to Japan's insolent treatment.

"America would be justified in showing the world that we are going to get ready and that we are not hunting for a fight, but are not afraid of one."

SCARE IN PEKING JAPANESE «NEWS REPORT , PEKING, Dec. 2tt Newspapers in Peking sold like hot, rakes as a result of vendors' cries of "England, Japan and America in war.'' Apparently the scare was based on the Domei News Agency report of British discussions regarding naval reinforcements and America's reported movement of destroyers on the Pacific coast, which the news agency considers incomprehensible, sensational and creating an unnecessary, serious and warlike atmosphere. HAND GRENADES THROWN (Received December 28, 12.30 a.m.) SHANGHAI. Dec. 27 Three hand grenades were thrown into a Japanese military launch in the Soochow Creek. One exploded and superficially wounded a Japanese soldier.