Evening capital news. (Boise, Idaho) 1901-1927, 1914-09-05
PREMIER OKUNA
!. Tells OF JAPAN'S
POSITION IN WAR
Called on by England and
Responded to Her Ally in
Europe-Thanks Is Elk
pressed to America.

Toxic, Sept. Sat the opening of
the diet today Premier Okuma, speak
ing briefly said regarding the war with
Germany that he believed the world
thoroughly understood the reasons
leading thereto. He asked the support
of the houses and said the army and
navy were doing their full duty.
The government is submitting an ex-
traordinary budget and has asked the
houses for their approval and support.
The statement to the diet regarding
the conflict with Germany made today
by Baron Kato, minister of foreign af-
fairs, follows:
EARLY in August the British govern
ment asked the imperial government
for assistance under the terms of the
Anglo Japanese alliance.
Therefore inasmuch as she was
asked by her ally for assistance at a
time when the commerce of eastern
Asia. which Japan and Great Britain
regarded alike when one of their spe-
cial interests was subjected to con-
slant menace. Japan, which regards
that alliance as the guiding principle of
her foreign policy, could not but COM
Conflicted With Japan's Interests.
Y Germany's possession of a base for
activities in one corner of the far east
was not only serious obstacle to the
maintenance of permanent peace, but
it also conflicted with the immediate
interests of the Japanese empire,
Baron Kato explained.
after imperial sanction had been
obtained a resolution was commune
Gated to the Br -ish government and a
full and frank exchange of views be-
tween the two governments followed.
1t was finally agreed between them to
take such action as was necessary to
protect their general interests as con-
templated by the agreement of their
alliance. Japan had no desire or incli-
nation to become involved in the pres
ent conflict, only believing that she
owed 1t to herself to be faithful to her
alliance and strengthen it's foundation
by insuring permanent peace in the
east and protecting the special inter-
ests of the two allied powers.
Desiring, however, to solve the sit
uation by pacific means, the imperial
government on Aug. Is gave the fol-
lowing advice to the German govern
ment:
(Here Baron Kato read the text OF
the ultimatum communicated to Ger
many on that date)
Until the last moment of the time
allowed on Aug. % the imperial gov
eminent received no answer and thus
the imperial rescript declaring war was
issued the next day.
America Complies With Request.
when relations between japan and
Germany reached the point Of rupture
the imperial government asked the
American government, If the case de-
manded, would she be good enough to
undertake the protection of Japanese
subjects and their interests in Ger
many.
This request the American govern
ment promptly complied with and sub
sequently on the rupture of diplomatic
relations between Japan and Austria.
Hungary the imperial government
again appealed to the American gov
eminent for the protection Of Japanese
subjects and interests in Austria Hun.
gary. The American government gave
the same willing consent I desire tc
avail myself of this opportunity to give
expression of the sincere appreciation
on the part Of the imperial government
of the courtesy so kindly extended by
the American government"