The Pittsburgh Press (October 24, 1940)
CAPITAL FEARS PRE-ELECTION BLAST AT JAPS
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Rumored New Deal Thrust Held Likely to Be Anti-Climactical
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By William Philip Simms, Scripps-Howard Foreign Editor
Washington, Oct. 24 –
Rumors that the Administration plans to turn loose a blast at Japan between now and Tuesday, November 5 – perhaps through Secretary Hull, who is speaking at the National Press Club here Saturday night – are creating some concern.
Many feel that such a blast, would have an effect precisely opposite to that intended. Coming as it would on the eve of the presidential elections, it would almost certainly be interpreted in Tokyo as designed for domestic consumption, hence just a bluff insofar as Japan is concerned.
Never in her history it is observed, has Japan had an official more thoroughly conversant with American politics than she has now in Foreign Minister Yōsuke Matsuoka. Educated at the University of Oregon, he is steeped in the ways of this country as few Japanese have ever been.
Because Mr. Matsuoka knows the United States so well, it is pointed out, he has been quick to see that the American people have been stirred profoundly by the events of the recent past. And because he does not know Americans and he is able to weigh the meaning of such acts, it is plain that he and the government at Tokyo have been correspondingly – and rightly – impressed.
Any rattling of the scabbard now – and the sword to fill the scabbard is only now being forged – would be anti-climax if not worse. It might do considerable harm. It would be disregarded completely by the Japanese as an electioneering dodge, and the chances are that it would raise doubts concerning the true reason for our recent moves in the Far East.
And that, it is said, would be nothing short of tragic. For if ever the American people and their government were united on anything they are united in their opposition to the growing menace of the totalitarian powers.
According, members of Congress are convinced that Secretary Hull would never be guilty of so undiplomatic a move. Seldom if ever has a Secretary of State enjoyed more earned respect and earned confidence than the Tennessean who now adorns that position. Therefore it is said, if any such speech is made, Mr. Hull probably will not make it. Or, if he does, it will be out of sheer loyalty to the Administration which has asked it of him.