Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-02
JAPAN. FOR PEACE
FOREIGN MINISTER
KOMURA DECLARES
Speaks Plainly in Diet of
American Policy.
WORKING IN GOOD FAITH
WORKING IN GOOD FAITH
Essential That Both Nations Main
tain Friendly Spirit.
BITTER ATTACK BY OPPOSITION
Count Hattori's Assertion That
Japan's Dignity Has Been As
sailed Is Loudly Cheered.

TOXIC. February 2-Speaking before
the lower house of the diet today Foreign
Minister Komura outlined the foreign
policies of Japan in a carefully worded
speech delivered before full and atten-
tive house. The opening sentence gave
the keynote OF the entire speech when
Count Komura said:
The foreign policy of this empire
should have as an object the mainte
nance of peace and the development Of
national resources
With reference to Great Britain, he said
that events OF far-reaching Importance in
the relations of the two countries with
other powers happily and uniformly
contributed to the soldation of the
general peace of eastern Asia which
one of the principal objects of the agree
ment. The alliance, he continued. had
steadily gained strength and solidity. and
today stands on an enduring foundation.
The relations of Japan with Russia, he
went on, were constantly increasing in in
timacy. and both nations were scrupu-
lousy observing the spirit and letter Of
the Pacific. while the policies of both
governments were yielding momentous re-
suits.
Growth of Friendship.
Thus, in his opinion, there was every
reason to expect an increasing growth OF
the friendly sentiments between them.
| Touching on the relations of Japan with
France and Germany, he said that they
were on an equally satisfactory footing.
and that the declaration of Chancellor
Won Buelow in the reichstag clearly
shows the friendly attitude and the com
plete accord of Germany and Japan in the
far east He expressed the sincere hope
that the good relations with Germany
should continue.
concerning China Count komura said:
1T is evident that in view OF our I'M
portant and close relations the two ma
tions should draw ties of sincere friend
ship and mutual consideration. II il
gratifying To note that some long-pending
questions have been satisfactorily ad-
jUsted recently. and the solution of other
problems is not altogether impossible ff
they are treated in spirit of conciliation
and accommodation. Japan is watching
naturally with keen interest and sympa-
and it is earnest hope that the states
men of China viii preserve domestic or
der and tranquility. We have invariably
made il guiding rule to observe the open
door principle with equal opportunity TO
China, and we are firmly determined to
adhere to the principle with unswervins
loyalty"
Relations With America
The foreign minister dNelt at length
upon the relations between Japan and
America. He said:
The friendship of Japan and the
United States is traditional and II is
absolutely essential that both maintain
unimpaired those sentiments of amity
and extend and strengthen them by every
means. Notwit hist a ndiflg the perfect ac-
cord which has always existed regarding
the aims of the two countries in the far
east and in the Pacific. it appears that
doubts have been entertained In some
quarters concerning the sincerity of the
int tcntionS.
In order to remove this misunderst and
ing the two governments have deemed IT,
advisable 10 exchange diplomatic notes
otticially announcing a common policy.
which am convinced will be largely in
stIumental in preserving the repose of tie
orient.
with REGARD to the question Of legs-
pending in California the imperial gov
ernment is relying on the sense of justice
of the American peop e. together with the
friendly disposition of the federal govern
ment. and is confident that the question
will not lead to international complica-
tionS.
Problem of Emigration.
Japan" the minister went on. being
on cordial terms with all the powers in
Guiding those which have not been mem
toned. il must be admitted that the
maintenance of peace which is the one
principal object of Our foreign policy, is
now practically assured; and we are en-
abled tn devote our cndeG ~ors to the de-
velopment of our national resources. Tho
first point claiming our attention is the
problem of Cmlgrat ion.
In view Of the new international con-
ditions assigned to Japan 1t has be
necessary that people. instead Of
scattering in foreiGn lands, shall conceu-
tratc in the far east, thus securing a.
united effort. looking To Legitimate ac-
tivit;es and avoiding aver. thing likely to
obstruct the development Il international
commerce and industry.
These considerations have led the gov
erument To follow an avowed policy with
respect to emig ants to Canada and the
United States. enforcing in perfect good
faith the restrictions placed on emigra-
tion -
Count Komura concluded his speech by
announcing that the imperial government
had decid ID to notify the various powers
next year of the termination of existing
commercial treaties to be effective one
year after such notice was given. He said
that il was the intention of the govern
ment to negotiate new treaties. "unham-
pered by any unequal engag ements.' The
new compacts he continued Twill be bas-
ed entirely on the principle of reciprocity
with a view to the free development OF
international commerce."
Opposition Attack Cheered.