Waiting for Lord Lytton , 'he Manchurian situation can hardly
be discussed with profit on the eve of the publication of the Lytton Report. The secrets of the contents of the document have been well kept, but there seems little doubt that the facts it brings to light will be gravely damaging to the Japanese case. If that is so other governments besides that at Tokyo will hail with some relief the six weeks' postponement of the discussion on the report accorded by the League Council at the instance of Japan. But it is well to face one 'fundamental fact here and now. So far as the Lytton Report does convict Japan of actions inconsistent with her treaty obligations it gives China a just title to the full support of all States members of the League of Nations. That may involve adopting towards Japan an attitude most of us would very much prefer not to adopt, and in some quarters self-interest will be adduced as a reason for not adopting it. Self-interest in itself is not a motive that will bear much inspection when pledged undertakings like those of the League Covenant are in question, but even on that material ground it is worth considering whether on a long view the goodwill of 65 million Japanese is better worth cultivating than the goodwill of 400 million Chinese. The attitude of the United States on this issue is not in doubt. That country has led more than once when we have hesitated. It may have been right to hesitate then. We may be right to hesitate when the next question to be decided arises. But let us be very certain about that. There is much more satisfaction in lining up with America if we can than against her.
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