The Pittsburgh Press (January 24, 1941)
LECTURE BY A GREAT CIVILIZER
Foreign Minister Matsuoka of Japan, addressing the Diet the other day, lamented our uncooperative attitude toward “the establishment of a sphere of common prosperity throughout Greater East Asia,” and scolded us for our embargoes. He warned that if we got mixed up in Europe’s war, and if Japan was then “compelled to participate,” the result might be “the downfall of modern civilization” (his concern for civilization, in the light of the recent history of China, is touching).
And then he predicted that a new world order will be accomplished under the Three-Power Pact – “if only time be given.”
Sure. If Germany and Italy wear down British sea power before the productive might of the British Empire and America can equalize the conflict; if the bulk of our Pacific fleet has to be called in for sentry duty on the Atlantic coast; if in the meantime Japan can finish the eight giant battleships she is supposed to have on the ways – then it may be that Japan will impose her new order throughout the Orient, at least in that part of the Orient which borders on blue water.
But as long as England’s fleet exists, and the bulk of our own Navy lies in Pearl Harbor, and the noncommittal Red bear crouches within springing distance of its ancient enemy, near-bankrupt Japan is in poor shape for further civilizing missions even in her own claimed sphere, let alone in Western waters.
She may try something. She may synchronize a thrust at the Dutch East Indies with a German all-out attack on England. But, like Italy in Egypt, she will be taking enormous risks.
Admiral Nomura, one of Mr. Matsuoka’s predecessors in the Foreign Office, is now on his way from Japan to Washington, where he is to be Ambassador. He will be welcome, as an old friend of America and an old personal friend of President Roosevelt. But if he brings nothing more interesting than stale threats based on speculative future circumstances, he will serve no useful purpose.