The Detroit times., 1908-12-02
INDEPENDENCE OF
. CHINESE EMPIRE
IS ASSURED
DECLARATIONS ARE EXCHANGED
BETWEEN UNITED STATES AND
JAPAN-wiLL RESPECT EACH
OTHERS POSSESSIONS.

the United States and Japanese gov
ernments. The text of the notes ex-
changed between the two powers were
made public last night at the state de-
partment Attached 10 the declara'
ton OF policy In the far east are two
letters, one from Mr.. Takahira. the
japanese ambassador, and one from
Mr. Root, secretary OF state.
Following Is text Of the agree
ment:
y. II Is the wish Of the two gov
ernments to encourage the free and
peaceful development OF their com
merce ON the Pacific ocean.
80. The policy OF both governments.
.unipfiueuced by any aggressive tend
encies, Is directed to the maintenance
OF The existing status quo In the re-
gion above mentioned, and to the de-
tense OF the principle Of equal oppor-
tunity for commerce and industry In
China.
IS. They are accordingly firmly re-
solved reciprocally to respect the ter
ritorial possessions belonging to each
other In said region.
n. They are also determined to
preserve the common interests OF all
powers In China by supporting by all
pacific means at their disposal the In
dependence and integrity of China and
the principle of equal opportunity for
commerce and industry Of all nations
In that empire.
IS. Should any event occur threat.
ening the status quo as above oescrio'
ed or the principle Of equal opportun'
.h4 rAY a
the two governments to communicate
with each other to arrive at an under
standing as to what measures they
may consider II useful TO take"
Ambassador Takahira, In state
ment issued subsequent to the making
public of the notes. aid:
AS viii be seen In their wording
the notes are simply In the form OF
declaration and are not a treaty OF
agreement They. are simply reaf
firmation OF what was declared by the
two governments years ago, or a def
milton of the understanding already
existing.
Encourages Harmony.
1T Is, however, to be noted that the
notes which are exchanged between
governments OF such great moral
standing as those Of the United States
and Japan, will have a great import
ance In the carrying out OF their com
mon policy. Japan has entire conn
dence In the great moral strength o.
the United States government and thu
latter fully trusts In the strong goot
faith of the Japanese government. al
has been amply proved by past expe
| rtence.
In this respect, 1t Is something like
transaction between trusted friends
and II Is sincerely to be hoped thai
the people OF each country will have
the same confidence as their own gov
eminent in respect to the declaration
OF the other and in doing SO there vii
be everything to gain and nothing tc
| lose and friendly intercourse and com
mercial relations will be fully dsvel
oped."
The text OF the letters exchanged
between Secretary Root and Baror
Takahira was also secured. The JAP
anese ambassador wrote as follow.
THE exchange OF views between US
which has taken place during the sew
eral interviews I have recently hat
the honor of holding with you, hal
shown that Japan and the United
States are holding important outlying
insular possessions In the region o.
| the Pacific ocean and that the govern
ments OF the two countries are AMI
mated by a common aim. policy and
intention in that region.
To Strengthen Friendship.
Believing that frank avowal Of
that aim, policy and intention woult
not only tend TO strengthen the rela
tons of friendship and neighborlinesi
which have immemorially existed be
tween Japan and the United States
but also materially contribute to tn,
preservation of a general peace, tn,
imperial government has authorize,
me to present you an outline Of 1t
understanding OF that common aim
policy and intention"
Then follow the Eve articles Of tn
covenant.
The Japanese ambassador says Il
conclusion: If the foregoing outlin
accords with the view OF the govern
ment OF the United States I shall b
gratined to receive your confirmation
"TAKAHIRA."
Secretary Root In his note. says:
have the honor to acknowledge the re
ceipt OF your note Of today settin
forth the result Of the exchange O
views between us In our recent inter
view defining the understanding O
our two governments In regard Z
their policy In the region Of the Pa
cifc ocean.
1T is a pleasure to inform you tina
this expression OF mutual understand
ing Is welcome to the government o
the United States as appropriate h
the happy relations Of the two coun
tries, and as an occasion for a con
else, mutual affirmation of that &C
cordant policy respecting the far cas-
which the two governments have s,
frequently declared In the past
Il am happy to be able to confirm
10 your excellency. on behalf OF tn,
| United states. the declaration OF tn,
two governments embodied in the fol
| lowing words"
Secretary Root then inserts In hi
letter the FIVE articles Of the covenan
as set down In the letter Of the Jap
anese ambassador.