The Washington times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1901-1902, 1902-02-14

South Woivernampton, in the House o.
Commons today, Viscount Cranborne. I'm
der Secretary for Foreign Affairs, said the
substance OF the Anslo-Japanese agree
ment had been communicated to the Unit
ed States. which country had not yet ex-
pressed an opinion on il.
In reply to a further question as TO
whether the alliance applied to Man
churia and its occupation by Russia, and
whether the agreement had received the
sdhesion OF the German Government, Wis
count Cranbor said Manchuria was no
more excluded than any other province in
China.
Discussed Treaty.
The substance of the agreement had
been communicated to Germany. Mr.
Henry Norman moved the adjournment of
the House, technical formality afford
ing the opportunity of discussing the
treaty.
Mr.. Norman wanted to know what
Great Britain was committed to. He said
apparently the British policy was tied
hard and fast TO the wheels of Japan, and
Great britain might be forced into war in
direct opposition to her interests.
The treaty was evidently directed
against Russia. Mr.. Norman asked if the
Government had tried to come to terms
with Russia in regard to Manchuria. If
not, Russia might claim that Great Brit
Elm was going about seeking allies against
her
Lord CraDborHe Replies.
Lord Cranborne, replying on behalf of
the Government, said that the agreement
had not been arrived at in haste Its
origin was in the Governments desire to
maintain the status quo, the open door
and the integrity OF China. Almost
every other Power had accepted these as
principles of policy, and Japan had done
SO especially in view OF her position in
Korea, which they recognized.
Lo,d Cranborne also said:
With regard to China we have worked
on the most cordial terms with the Unit
ed States. ICheers.1 l think | might say
that In almost every crisis and in every
small difficulty that has arisen during the
negotiations in Picking the representative
OF the United States and the representa-
tive of this country have nearly always
acted together. [Checrs.1
No doubt in this agreement We will
command the full approval of the Gov
eminent of the United States''
The Marquis of Lansdowne, on enter
ing the House of Lords this afternoon,
was received with loud cheers. He ex-
planned in similar terms to Lord Gran
borne the particulars of the Anglo
JAPANESE treaty
Lord Rosebery asked what was the eff
feet of the new treaty on -Manehuria
Mnnchurin in 1t.
The Marquis of Lansdowne replied:
$50 far as the treaty is concerned with
the integrity of China. Manchuria must
be taken as forming part or the Chinese
Empire
Lord CranSorne declared that the con-
tracing parties were bound to under
take mutual defense only when danger
was due to the aggression of others. The
Power called upon to help the other must
be the judge whether the conditions of |
the treaty had been fulfilled
Sir Henry Campbell Zimmerman, the !
leader, said Viscount Cranborne |
had not given a reason for taking the
present step whereby the country lost the
advantage of freedom. The interests of
Great Britain. Japan, and the United
States. he said. were identical Gould |
not these interests have been sufficiently
secured by an interchange of notes, in
stead Of by an explicit undertaking?
Nothing Hostile.
Mr.. Balfour said there seemed to be an
impression that something hostile to
peace lay behind the treaty. This was not
so. The treaty was based not upon secret
Of impending dangers, but on
he broad facts of British interests.
The treaty made strongly for peace, be-
,ause even the most adventurous nation
would shrink from attacking Japan when
o be encountered. The treaty was not
lnfriendly to other Powers. He hoped it
would have SOLDERING effect on con-
mental schools Of thought which i'm
'erled the worlds peace.
Sir William Vernon-Harcourt said he
vas not satisfied with the Governments
assurances, especially its motives for
the treaty. What was the
tatus quo in the Far East, especially
ianchuria. and what if Japan were at
acked by a great, overwhelming single
'ower?
Much Danger Ahead.
Was there no obligation TO prevent her
eing crushed by single Power? More
yer, IL there was a Far Eastern war it
sould not be confined to China and the
nina seas. They would probably be
aced by opponents capable OF pouring
Unlimited forces into Persia and
.fghanistan, and across the Indian from
Ter. Consequently the Government was
taking upon the throw of dice the peace
nd future OF India. The allied fleets
fould be engaged in the Mediterranean
nd Baltic, as well as in the China seas.
Was not the Government, he asked,
such responsibility lightly?
t time when 1t was piling up millions
debt. when IL was compelled to search !
throughout the British possessions to
trengthen its army. when it had actually
epleted the defences of India to get
lore troops 1T ought to have had much
Irther information respecting the opera
ons Of the treaty and the perils it might ,
lvolve- q
The treaty embodied a policy that was !
CONTINUED on Fifth Psge.) b