NEWS OF THE WEEK
THE momentary lull in Americo-Japanese interchanges bodes no good at all. On the contrary, it definitely bodes ill. President Roosevelt has asked Japan bluntly for an explanation of the reason why, while talks aiming at an understanding were progressing, she was sending a continuous stream of heavy rein- forcements to Indo-China. To that no answer has yet been received, though a prompt reply was asked for, and Mr. Cordell Hull, whose language is usually as restrained as any living states- man's, has told his Press conference that Japan in his view is un- disguisedly pursuing a policy of naked force and implied that she has been simply using the conversations of the last eight months as a smoke-screen. If Japan does strike she will find four opponents ready for her. The arrival of a considerable British battle-fleet, including the new 35,000-ton 'Prince of Wales,' at Singapore and of heavy military reinforcements at Rangoon, greatly improves the strategic position in that vital region, and it may be assumed that America's action, if less obtrusive, is not less effective. War seems more inevitable than ever, but it may not involve the diversion from other fronts of many more 'British ships and men than are already in the Far East. It is of some significance that President Roosevelt has exerted further influence on the situation in Europe by offering Lend-Lease assistance to Turkey. He would certainly not have done that if Turkey's attitude had been in any doubt. It is noteworthy that the move is made just when the Russian successes at Rostov and Taganrog are giving new grounds for encouragement, and when Russia herself is gratifying Turkey' by supplying her with several ship- loads of oil. But a Libyan success is what is needed most.
