Yesterday

Wednesday evening saw Japan's withdrawal from the League become effective. There was nothing startling about this since for some time past it has been a foregone conclusion. The reason given last year, when the eastern island empire announced her intention of giving up her sent at Geneva, was resentment toward the report of the League on Manchukuo. Since then there has been no further action taken by the League, but Japan no doubt feels herself out of a difficult spot.

The withdrawal however, leaves several things unsettled. Chief among these is the status of the former German colonies in the cast which were given to Japan under League mandate. There has been no indication that she will relinquish them nor would she be likely seriously to consider such a suggestion.

Meanwhile what is termed harbor improvement goes on in these holdings. The mandate, of course, forbade fortification. Will these harbor works now come out in what many believe to be their true colors? If so it will be of interest to all Pacific powers of which the United States is by no means the least. Alaska, Guam and Hawaii not to mention the Philippines for which will be responsible for another decade will force Washington to watch closely Japan's use of the former Kaiser's eastern possessions.