The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-05-13
JAPANESE meet A
STUMBLING BLOCK
Effort to Establish Diplomatic
Relations With Turkey Not
Easy.
----------------------.
THE PORTE OPPOSES PLAN
Turkish Circles Believe Japan's
Idea Is More for Politics
Than Trade.
THE PORTE OPPOSES PLAN

f. scoNsTANT1NOPLE, May 12.-Thc
Pourparlcrs. by which Japan is seeking
to establish diplomatic relations with
Turkey and tho location Of n Japanese
Ambassador at Constantinople, have en-
scountercd Il rather serious stumbling
block. Japan wishes to be treated on
the same footing as the great powers
of Europe with respect to the capt.
tulntions" by which Turkey gives for
seign powers certain supervision over
their internal affairs, including schools.
MISSIONS consular courts, etc. me
Porte, is firmly opposed to granting
these privileges to Japan. as all the ef-
forts OF Turkey within recent years
have aimed ut the restrictions, and ul-
innate abolition of these privileges to
foreign powers.
The efforts of Japan to establish
diplomatic relations with Turkey date
back to the period preceding tho
Russo Japanese War, and were renew
cd later at different intervals. In
November last year, fresh attempt
was made during the presence IN Con-
stantnople of two Japanese staff Off
| GERS, who were occupied In tour OF
study and in Turkey, ono of whom sub
sequently proceeded to Bagdad. These
officers were the bearers of q large
number of Japanese decorations for
| Turkish officials. It LIZ stated in official
circles that the Pourparlers are still
going on, although reticence Is OBJ
served regarding the place where the
negotiations are being conducted.
Would Help England.
On the surface there ara no sndi-
cations that any of the European pow
crs are actively opposing the establish
ment of a Japanese embassy at Can
stantinople.
There is no oficial opposing at
least. but it is by no means inprol-
able that certain powers would find i
| in their interest to intrigue agains
the project. It is only necessary to re
call the difficulties the American am
bassador. Mr.. Leishman, had to over
come to secure recognition OF hi
/ elevated rank. It is obvious that thu
presence OF O Japanese diplomatic rep
resentative would naturally tend t,
strengthen tho position OF the British
4 ambassador in view Of the Anglo-Jap
anese alliance. This probability mig
4 account for the unfavorable attitud
4 which has been limited at on the par
4 of certain powers.
j The Sultan Is Willing.
4 1t is believed here that Primo
!. Fushimi. at present on visit to Eu
rope. will come to Constantinople an
!, use his personal influence to brinl
L about settlement.
!, The Turkish government is dispose
to view very favorably Japans desir
to open diplomatic intercourse wit
Turkey. except for Japanese prete.
|, sions to have the same right that til
, great powers Of Europe. In Turkic
circles 1t is felt thae the object {
japan is not SO much to develop trad
{ Ing relations with Turkey as politica
having to do with Turkeys positio
, as ncighbor to Russia. Another reaso
: which makes tho Sultan personally In
cltned to welcome closer relations wit
the far Eastern Empire is the hon
. that Mohammedan missionary propa
ganda in that country may be er
couraEed and deVeloped