Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-27
JAPAN OUR FRIEND,
DECLARES KOMURA
Foreign Minister Outlines the
Imperial Policy on World
Affairs.
TOXIC is IN COMPLETE
ACCORD WITH RUSSIA
Bonds of Amity With Recent
Enemy Being Constantly
Strengthened.
SORRY FOR KNOX AFFAIR
SORRY FOR KNOX AFFAIR
Expresses Regret to the Diet That
Manchurian Conditions Would
Not Permit Acceptance of the
American Secretary's
Proposal.


minister for foreign affairs, addressed
the diet this afternoon upon the subject
of diplomatic relations, laying special
stress upon Japan's relations with Rus
garding Russia, he said that the interna-
tional relations had been regarded re-
Gently with feeling of suspicion, due to
groundless rlmors. He. said:
II assure you, with perfect frankness
and sincerity, that the bonds of amity be-
tween the two countries are being con-
stantly strengthened, and there is abso-
lutely no cause for apprehension or con-
Germ. Both governments are dealing In
a spirit of mutual accommodation, which
policy will be maintained firmly in the
future. / confidently expect further
consolidation of these cordial relations.
''The friendship between Japan and
the United States" continued the baron.
.'stanSs Arm and enduring upon the
foundations which are essential to the
best interests Of the commercial rela-
tions Of the two countries. Both gov
ernmenfs are directing their best ef-
forts to obtain the object in view."
Baron komura detailed the Opportuni-
ties which the past year afforded to mani
fest feelings of mutual regard between
the United States and japan, mentioning
the visit of the American training squad
ron. the fact that a member of the impe-
rial family had attended the Hudson-Ful-
ton celebration in New York and Japan's s
participation In the Portola festivities in
California. He spoke of the magnificent
reception accorded the Japanese business
men who visited the United States, and
said that the welcome received afforded
profound satisfaction in Japan, where it
could not fail to exercise a powerful in
nuence. He added:
Open Door in Manchuria.
s1rhe relations between Japan and China
involved important and far-reaching con-
sequences politically and economically. In
a spirit of mutual conciliation. the most
important outstanding issues have been
successfully adjusted. My sincere hope is
that the Chinese authorities. in view OF
these considerations, will exert every en-
deavor to promote these friendly relations
and secure the general repose and sta
bility of the orient.
1.-The policy of Japan in Manchuria is
directed toward the maintenance Of the
open door and equal opportunity. The i'm
perial government has always held and
will invariably adhere loyalty to that pol
icy in the furtherance of which Japan
decided to open Port Arthur. in order to
contribute to the development Of Man.
nations. 1t is confidently hoped that this
immutable policy will receive the recogni-
tion of the powers.
The United States government recently
proposed plan regarding the neutraliza-
tion of Manchurian railways. The i'm
perial government, in view of the i'm
portant Japanese interests involved and
considering that the proposal came from
friendly power with which the empire
was on terms of close intimacy. submit.
ted the question to the most careful ex.
animation.
The Knox Proposal.
while determined to adhere scrupu
lously to the policy of the open doc,
and equal opportunity, it should be rec
ognized that the realization Of the pro
posed plan would involve radical change.
in the condition of affairs In Manchuris
which were established by the treaties o.
Portsmouth and Peking. The chang,
must be attended by serious consequences
In the region affected by the South Man
churian railway numerous undertaking,
have been promoted In the belief tina
the railway would remain in our posses
sion. AS consequence, the imperia
government with regret was Obliged [,
announce its inability to consent to tn,
proposal. ] trust that the United States
will appreciate our position and that th
other powers will equally recognize thu
justice of Japan's attitude