New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-06-17
IS CH|NA'S FRIEND
Prince Katsura, Former Premier
in Toxic, So Ayers.
NO SELFISH ENDS TO SERVE
Empire of Rising Sun Anxious
That Republics Integrity
Should Be Maintained.

Toxic June 1s-Prince Taro Katsura,
twice Premier OF Japan, and the one man
outside OF officialdom who is best fitted 10
know governmental affairs to-day made a
prolonged statement regarding his views
on the Japanese attitude toward China
The former statesman addressed his re-
marks to the correspondent Of the Asso-
cated Press. and the earnestness with
which he spoke left no doubt Of his sin
Ceritv. He denied emphatically that the
Japanese governments attitude toward
China had been prompted by any selfish
aims and declared that the greatest hope
Of Japan was to see peace established.
Prince Katsura also regretted his inability
al present 10 pay a visit TO the United
States
II have more friends in America than IN
any other foreign country" he said. 1t
has been my earnest desire to visit the
United States. but 7 am leaving japan In
July and must return in October I also
think it would perhaps he inadvisahle for
me 10 make such visit during the present
Presidential campaign. II is my Intention
however to make a trip to America some
time, and ! want my friends there N
know Of my pleasurable anticipation in the
matter"
The former Premier leaves shortly for
Europe but he denied that his visit had
political significance.
ut is merely my desire 10 see old places
and old friends once more" he said. II
even propose not 10 discuss political mat
tcrs hut IL my views are sought l shall
willingly express them Perhaps what
may say will be a statement Of the poll
cies Of my government China IS now as
suredly the greatest problem.
"Unthinking people have asserted that
Japan sought for and hoped for revolu-
tion in China. Nothing could he more IN
Just Two years ago. when | was still
Premier. / stated that no such thought had
entered into the considerations Of my gov
eminent Upon my honor stated that
what was most earnestly sought was peace
under a wise and competent government In
China What l said then / repeat now
knowing that my statements represent
truthfully the views Of his majesty and MS
advisers.
The great powers should Concertedly
adopt measures 10 assure better world con-
dtions pledged 10 the integrity Of China
Japan no more seeks to violate such a
pledge than any other nation bound by
q similar agreement Perhaps each one "i
the powers differs from the others IN minor
details. but / hope each will sacrifice IN
dlvidual desires IN order 20 achieve the
common object. which IS the maintenance
Of the integrity OF China The unifcation
OF China must come from within but IN
der the guarantee provided i'm the present
projected agreement between the six great
nations. China can proceed m organize a.
adequate Administrative system.
~ repeat, that Il IS the fixed policy ~
japan 10 secure Chinese peace, to ahid" h'
all engagements. TO prevent violation ~
Chinas integrity. = counaEration brok"
out IN China, across tho river, az it We're
We did no more than take ordinary pre-
cautions although the connagra'ion Ger
tainly threatened Japan more than any
other country.
1T has ALWAYS been my firm belief that
a combination Of the six powers was ah-
soIutely necessary. and 7 am glad that the
world has now recognized tho fact. The ar
ransement n details may take some time.
but II the Chinese leaders In the new move
mont will be REASONABLE. and trust In the
good faith OF the six powers, a way will
he found 10 establish China upon a firm
and permanent foundation