The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-03-22
TAKAHIRA TELLS
OF JAPAN'S AIMS
Not After Chinese Terri
tory, He Declares.
RUSSIA'S MENACE TO KOREA
Mikado's Minister Discusses in
Worlds Work Cause of the
Present Struggle.
RUSSlA'S MENACE TO KOREA


States. has contributed the following ar
ucle to the Worlds Work" on What
Japan Is Fighting For"
Il have already taken public occasion
TO explain the motives which have actI-
ated my government In the course It
adopted with reference to the events
leading up 10 the present crisis in the
Far East In doing so L have had no
thought of violating the prophecies Of
diplomatic usage by appearing as an ld-
Nccate OF Japan's cause. My only pur-
pose has been TO give wider publicity
10 the salient features Of the EXPOSE
ton of its motives which my govern
ment has already made public, and TO
do this not in my official capacity, but
as private subject OF the Empire OF
Japan DESTROYS of having the trus mo-
tives OF his country-s policy thoroughly
We'll understood by the people who have
SHOWN IL so many evidences of disinter-
ested kindness in the past
Formal Disavowal
One fact should he strongly empha-
sized at the outset. The government Of
Japan has disavowed IN the most formal
and solemn manner in the reply 70
Cbina's declaration of neutrality the
purpose OF acquiring any part of China's
territory OF of occupying It 70 the detri-
ment of Chinese sovereignty. In an
equally binding manner it has declared
us Willingness TO respect the lawful eX-
e. else OF the rights which Russia had
ACQUIRED in Manchuria.
But il could not close its eyes TO the
fact. plainly demonstrated by events
In the immediate past. that Russia
Seemed To have another object in view
than the legitimate development of the
The course of those events plainly
pointed TO designs on Russia's part
threatening the principle of equal op-
IOrtunity for the development of the
interests Of all the powers in Man
churia, and tending even to endanger
the territorial Integrity Of China. As
the japanese government has pointed
cut. this could not but have been Sc
rIouS disappointment to all who had
been led to entertain more or less hope
ful views regarding the future of Man
cauria by the repeated and unequivocal
declarations OF the Russian government
itself
Menace to Korea.
But what was matter Of far more
sesl ous concern to Japan. the indefinite
occupation of Manchuria by Russia.
would be a continual menace TO the
korean empire, whose Independence
Jaran regards as absolutely essential 10
her own repOse and security. AS was
further stated on behalf of Japan. II
was with the object of removing just
and natural anxiety resulting from IN
settled conditions in Manchuria as well
as in Korea, and of arriving at an
arnicable adjustment of the mutual in
te1ests of Japan and Russia in the re-
zion in the Far East where those in
terests meet. that the japanese govern
Inent approached the government OF
Russia in August last.
The minister then reviews the negotia-
tons which have been fully described IN
Japan Official statement Coming down
10 the severance OF diplomatic relations
Accordingly. on the 5th of February.
under instructions. he Japanese minis
ter at St. Petersburgl presented the note
severing diplo-g attic relations ana order
ing his withdrawal That note, aIIEr re
citing the various efforts which Japan
had made TO secure an agreement on
matters VitaIly touching her Well-belng,
stated that the refusal Of Russia mad
made it necessary for the japanese gov
ernment seriously TO consider what
measures OF self-dsfense they are called
upon 10 take.
Delays Unexplained.
THE communication concluded with
the following significant words;
main largely unexplained. and Of naval
and military activities which it is diff
cult TO reconcile with entirely pacific
aims, the imperial government have ex-
ercised in the peuQ>ug negotiations de-
gree Of forbeSrance which they believe
10 be abundant proof Of their loyal de-
size 20 remove from their relations with
The imperial Russian government every
cause for future misunderstanding but
finding IN their efforts no prospect OF Sc
curing from the imperial Russian gov
eminent an adhesion either 10 Japan
moderate and unselnsh proposals., or TO
any other proposals likely 70 establish
firm and enduring peace IN the extreme
East. the imperial government has no
other alternative than 70 terminate the
present futile negotiations. In adopting
that course the imperial government re-
serve TO themselves the right TO take
such independent action as they may
deem best TO consolidate and defend
their menaced position, as well as 70
protect their established rights and in
terests.
I'm view of the fact that II has been
gTavely cOntended that the japanese
attack upon the Russian squadron At
Port Arthur at midnight on February
S was In violation of international law.
the language Of the foregoing communi-
cation assumes special Importance.
Of Gravest Import.
from a commercial and Industrial stand
point, but also for strategical reasons
II Of the grayest Importance TO the WE'LL
being Of our people and the safety OF
our country. The power that controls
Korea cannot only restrict our prog
along the lines OF peaceful enterprise
upon which much Of the future prosper
ftv of the nation depends. but can also
keep US upon the defensive and thereby
impose the heavy burden Of tnceesa Mt
yatchfulness and constant preparation.
I'VE have no desire 10 interfere with
the independence Of the territorial in
gegrity Of our neighbOrs and no pur-
pose. as we have shown cOnciusiVely. 10
obstruct the development OF the com
mercial and Industrial interests OF other
nations within their territories. But the
preservation OF their political existence,
Especially the maintenance OF the indie
pendence Of Korea, Is another matter
and when that Is threatened motives Of
an imperative nature demand that our
nation shall intervene or else run the
certain risk Of jeopardizing its most VI
tai interests
WILL RUN SIAM