The Washington times., 1914-08-18

Limitation OF Japanese activity tc
the China seas except SO far as may bs
1 necessary to protect japanese shipping
| is indicated in statement from Lon
don. following Japan's ultimatum that
| Germany must withdraw from the far
East
! The Japanese newspapers, comment
ing upon the ultimatum sent by Japan
say they consider the document to be
reasonable.
Foreign Minister Kato was In con-
ference with Emperor Yoshihito for an
hour, and later the heads of the navy
ana army were summoned to the En-
peror's palace. The Japanese fleet,
which recently sailed from Yokasuka.
is reported to be lying off Tsing-Tao.
The Japanese government has an
nounced that it will remain faithful to
the principle of the safeguarding the
integrity Of China and has declared
| that Japan will limit any action II may
take to establishing a protectorate over
Kiaochow when the German govern
ment shall. have surrendered this leased
territory.
Following is the statement given out
by the British official news bureau:
Great Britain and Japan, having
been in communication with each
other. are Of the opinion that it is
necessary for each to take action
to protect the general interests in
the Far East contemplated by the
Anglo-Japanese alliance, keeping
especially in view the independence
and integrity of China as provided
for in that agreement
TT is understood that the action
Of japan will not extend to the
Pacific beyond the China seas, ex-
cept as may be necessary to protect
japanese shipping lines in Iur: IA
cific, nor IN Asiatic waters westward
OF the China seas. or in foreign ter
ritories. except territory in German
occupation on the continent OF Asia"
The statement indicates the perfect
accord in which arrangements under
the Anglo-Japanese agreement are
working.
Whether or not II will be possible
to limit the sphere of japanese ac-
tivity, as contemplated in the British
note to the China seas. depends
upon the aggressiveness OF the Ger
man squadron stationed in Pacific
waters.
The Peking government, suspicious
started troops by train to kiaochow.
Cancellation of the Kiaochow lease
to Germany is possible. but the cap
ture of TsiRg-tau. strongly fortified,
and q second Port Arthur in its de-
fenses, is entirely another matter. 1t
or Japan could capture IL without a
siege of considerable length.
Shanghai reports sighting supposed
Japanese transports proceeding south
from Dalny.
The German feet. IT is believed, could
stay within the protection of the fortif-
cations of Tsing-tau. and refuse to be
drawn into an engagement with the
vastly superior Japanese fleet The
japanese feet, on the other hand, will
hardly dare expose itself to the Ger
man guns at Tsing-tau and will be COM
PEELED to content itself with establishing
a blockade and seiztng what German
commerce that has not yet been with
drawn into neutral ports.
Meanwhile a land expedition might be
sent from Japan TO the shores of kiao-
chow, to take the place by siege. 1t IS
estimated that not more than 5000 men
will be used in the campaign. There is
no other point in the far East from
which Germany is to be dislodged with
the exception of her island possessions
which are unfortified.
The German garrison at Tsing-tau is
variously estimated at from $3.50 TO 5,OOJ
men.
Interest in Washington has been
aroused by the publication OF the agree
ment between Japan and the United
States made in 1906 defining the attitude
of each in the Far East. This note
said:
'First-It is the wish OF the two
governments to encourage the free and
peaceful development of their com
mercs on the Pacific ocean.
'Second-The policy OF both gov
ernments. uninfluenoed by any aggres-
siye tendencies. is directed TO the main
tenance of the existing status quo m
the region above mentioned Coutlying
insular possessions in the region OF
the Pacific ocean,. and to the defense
of the principle of equal opportunity
for commerce and industry in China. |
'Third-TheY are accordingly firm |
Iy resolved reciprocally to respect the |
territorial possessions belonging to |
each other in said region;
" 'Fourth-They are also determined |
TO preserve the common interest of all |
powers in China by supporting by all |
pacific means at their disposal the in |
and integrity Of China and |
the principles of equal opportunity for |
commerce and industry Of all nations |
in that empire
" 'Eifth-Should any event occur |
the status quo as above |
described or the principle of equal op- |
portunity as above defined. II remains
for the two governments TO communi- |
cate with each other in order to arrive |
at an understanding as to what meas |
ures they may consider 1t useful to
take