New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-05-02
TAFT SETS At REST
MACOAlENA BAY STORY
Knox Report Shows No Basis to
Suspect That Japan Plans
to Control Harb0r.
SENATE MAY TAKE ACTION
Likely to Declare That the
Monroe Doctrine Applies to
Syndicates as Well as
Governments.
iFrou The Tribune bureau.


Washington, May IA declaration by the
Senate that the acquisition by a foreign
corporation or syndicate OF control over
any harbor on the American continent of
such strategic or military importance as 10
menace the peace and security of the
United States is contrary TO the policy of
this government as enunclated in the Mon
roe Doctrine probably will be framed by
the Committee on Foreign Relations, 10
which was referred to-day the President
message transmitting a report of the Sec
rotary OF State on Magdalena Bay.
This report stated emphatically that
there was no basis for suspicion that either
the japanese or Mexican government had
taken any part whatever in negotiations
concerning the leasing TO u japanese cor
poration of 3 large tract of land in Lower
California, controlling Magdalena Bay. 1t
stated further that the japanese govern
ment had disavowed any intention Of OBJ
tanning control Of the harbor, directly or in
directly. as coaling station, or for any
other purpose, and that there was no rea-
son for believing any such step would be
taken without the approval OF the United
States.
Negotiations for the sale OF the Magda-
lena Bay lease to a Japanese syndicate by
the American company by which it is con-
trolled were set forth in the report. how
ever, and II Is to this phase OF the situa.
ton that the Senate directed its attention
Senators on both sides of the chamber
approved OF the report and were careful
10 point out that neither the Japanese nor
the Mexican government was to be re-
garded as being party to the negotiations
by the American company. But the posi-
bility that the harbor might pass into the
control of foreign syndicate and be prac-
tically at the disposal of foreign govern
ment In case of war was regarded as a
matter for serious consideration.
Suggests Need for Action.
u did not Introduce the resolution un-
advisedly," said Senator Lodge, on whose
initiative the Senate asked for the report
Tine report is clear and satisfactory, but
1t discloses a question which might become
the subject OF difficulty unless some action
.is taken to make the attitude OF the United
states clear"
Senator Lodge pointed our that the con-
troll Of Magdaena Bay by foreign cor
poration constituted menace TO the
United States. and suggested that a dec
q situation would constitute a violation OF
the Monroe Doctrine. He was careful 10
emphasize the fact that his suggestion was
not directed against Japan, or any partic-
mar government.
Senator Bacon, ranking Democratic mem
Der Of the committee on Foreign Relations,
took the same attitude, saying the Monroe
Doctrine should be made 10 cover such a
situation.
Senator Fall, who is more conversant
with conditions in Mexico than any other
Senator, expressed the same opinion.
THE attempt OF any government directly
10 secure control Of Magdalena Bay" he
said, would be considered violation of the
Monroe Doctrine. 1 believe that the people
Of the United States would not approve OF
any attempt which would bring about IN
directly the same situation"
Senator Rayner dwet on what he con-
sidered legal difficulties in the way Of the
prevention OF private persons from trans.
ferring their title 10 lands, or interests in q
concession, TO other parties, and referred
10 rumors that the japanese were seekng
other concessions. He introduced a resolu
ticn, directing the Committee Oh Foreign
Relations TO investigate various question:
In connection with the Magdalena Bay re-
port, which was referred to the committee
without action by the Senate.
The debate on the Magdaena Bay quEs-
ton was anything but warlike in tone, al
those taking part in it being careful TO dis
svow any suspicion that the Japanese gov.
eminent was not acting with entire frank
ness and friendliness, or to question the
sincerity of its denial Of any interest in the
negotiations Of the American company.
The Presidents Message.
In his short message accompanying tbs
report of the Secretary of State President
Taft says:
In response TO the Senate's resolution o.
April g. 1872 requesting the President I'll
net incompatible with the public interest
20 transmit TO the Senate eny Information
ia possession Of the government relating
10 the purchase Of land at Magdalena Bay
BY the japanese government, or by a Japa
nese company" | transmit herewith re-
port by the Secretary % State on the SUBJ
iect
Secretary Knox said in his report:
There Is nothing on file in the Department
~ The n
IA 90 - Ap&