New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1908-12-02
JOINT FAR EAST POLICY
NOTES EXCHANGED WITH
JAPAN MADE PUBLIC.
ambassador Takahra Calls Declare
ton a Transaction Bet0ceen
Trusted Friends"


Trusted Friends"
Washington. Dec. 1.-The notes exchanged he
tween the United States and Japan. declaring
their policy in the Far East which have been
the subject Of correspondence between Secretary
Root and Ambassador Takahira for some
months, were made public at the state Depart
ment tonight. Accompanying the declaration
are two letters. one from Mr. -Takahira and cne
from Mr. Root, the former expressing the be-
lief that frank avowal of the aim, policy and
intention of the two countries in the Pacific
would not only tend to strengthen the relations
Of friendship and good neighborhood between the
two nations. but would materially contribute to
the preservation Of the general peace, and the
latter declaring that this expression of mutual
understanding is welcome to the government
of the United States" Each letter is dated
November so. the day on which the exchanges
took place.
The text of the notes follows:
/ 1t is the wish of the two governments to
encourage the free and peaceful development Of
their commerce on the Pacific Ocean.
II The policy of both governments, uninfu-
enced by any aggressive tendencies. is directed
TO the maintenance of the existing status quo in
the region above mentioned, and TO the defence
OF the principle Of equal opportunity for COM
merce and industry in China.
III They are accordingly firmly resolved re
ciprocaIly TO respect the territorial possessions
belonging to each other in said region
" They are also determined to preserve the
common interests of all powers in China by
supporting, by all pacific means at their dis
posal. the independence and integrity of China
and the principle of equal opportunity for COM
merce and industry Of all nations in that en-
pire.
V. Should any event occur threatening the
status quo above described. the principle
of equal opportunity as above defined, it re-
mains for the two governments to communicate
with each other in order TO arrive at under
standing as to what measures they may consider
1t useful TO take.
MR. TAKAHIRAS EXPLANATION
Ambassador Takahfra in statement issued
after the notes were made public. declared they
simply a reafirmation OF what was de
cIared by the two governments years ago. It
was something like a transaction between
trusted friends" The Ambassador said
The substance of the instrument which has
already found its way to the press called forth
exhaustive expression of opinions in this and
other countries. and there remains hardly any
thing to be added AS will be seen in their
wording, the notes are simply in the form of a
declaration, and are not treaty or agreement.
They simply reafirmation of what was
declared by the two governments years ago or
8 definition of the understanding already exist
ing. 1t Is, however, to be noted that the notes
which exchanged between governments of
such great moral standing as those of the United
states and Japan VIII nave q great importance
in the carrying OUT of their common policy.
Japan-ha entire confidence in the great moral
strength of the United states government, ana
the latter fully trust in the strong good faith OF
the Japanese government, has been amply
proved by past experience. In this respect il IL
something like a transaction between trusted
friends, and it is sincerely to be hoped that the
people Of each country Will have the same con-
idence their own government in respect to
the declaration of the other, and in doing so
there will be everything TO gain and nothing to
lose, and friendly intercourse and commercial
relations will be fully developed.
Some changes were made in the drafts Of
the letters passing between Mr.. Root and Mr..
Takahira as originally written. copies o, which
had been sent to Europe. Ambassador Taxa
hira's letter finally drafted was as follows
Sir: The exchange OF views between Us
which has taken place at the several interviews
which I have recently had the honor of holding
with you, has shown that, Japan and the United
States holding important outlying inSular pos
sessions in the region of the Pacific Ocean. the
governments of the two countries are animated
by common aim, policy and intention in that
region.
Believing that a frank avowal of that aim,
policy and Intention would not only tend to
strengthen the relations of friendship and good
neighborh0od which have immemoraly existed
between Japan and the United States. but would
materially contribute to the preservation of the
general peace, the imperial government have
authorized me to present 10 you an outline of
their understanding of that common aim, policy
and intention.
(Here follow the five articles of the declara
tion)
Of the government of the United States. I\shall
be grstifed TO receive your confirmation.
I take this opportunity to renew to your ex-
celency, the assurance of my highest consider
alton. X. TAKAHIRA.
Honorable Elihu Root Secretary of State.
The changes in Secretary Roots letter are
It's text follows: