The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-01-03

ternal Fellowship among all nations
and that the spirit of the Prince of
Peace may soon be dominant in all
political circles.
Yours sincerely.
WALTER Mes. BUCHANAN.
tReprinteed from the Japan Chroni-
Gle" November Is, .I914.
The Japanese and "aiien Enemies"
Now that Tsingtau has fallen, and
Japan's part in the War of the AL
the time at any rate--it Is of interest
to consider the attitude taken up by
Japan on the subject OF the treat
ment of allen enemies Those OF
our readers who have never inves-
tigated this branch of international
law will perhaps be surprised to learn
that 1apan-s action in this matter cor
stitutes precedent, and carries a step
further long step further--the prin
ciple which has been gradually de-
veloping in the last hundred years.
making private property inviolate in
war time as in peace, ana protecrfns
the persons OF noncom batants even
when they are subjects or citizens of
an enemy country. Professor r. Rob
ertson points out that the effects Of
war on the persons and property OF
alien enemies within the dominions
of the State have been greatly soft
ened In modern practice. Formerly
such persons were outlaws. In strict
theory debts and property would be
liable TO contiscat!on. and the per-
sons themselves TO detention as pris-
oners of war Modern writer's on in
ternational law. however. hold that
the guarantees TO contrary effect
given or applied in commercial trea-
ties. and In voluntary declarations by
belligerent powers have altered by
law of nations on this point
Model Treatment Given,
Even SO the position OF an allen
enemy has been one of grave dis
advantage and Is SO today in most
belligerent countries. His liberty Is
restricted, he must report himself pc
riodically to the authorities. his bust
ness Is generally suspended. and he
IL unable to sue in a court Of law.
Japan has adopted a different course.
She has set precedent in the treat
ment of so-called allen enemies"
which marks long step in advance.
and concerning which a good deal is
likely to be heard in this section of
international law in future. As soon
as the ultimatum regarding Tsingtau
was sent to Germany. Baron Kato. tho
Minister Of Foreign Affairs, made a
pubic announcement in which he
pointed out that in the event OF hos
tlities being declared, Japanese. MS
individuals, must not show any hostile
feelings towards Germans residing In
Japan. The Minister went on tn ex-
press the hope that German and Aus
trian merchants would remain In ia
pan and continue business. undertake
ing that SO long as they ahided by
the laws and RETAINED from any hos
tile action they would receive the full
est protection. Mr.. Ozaki, the Minister
OF Justice, also stated that German
residents might rely on full protec-
ton of their persons and property
while Mr.. Yasukochi, head of the po-
nee department, Issued instructions to
the various prefectural governments
to take the proper steps for provjd-
Ing all necessary protection to Ger
man residents No other belliRenent
government has taken such action,
or shown similar concern for the lives
and property Of ALLEN enemies" ana
Japan Is therefore entitled TO the
credit OF setting up n new precedent
In the progressive humanisation of
international law
Policy Deliberately Adopted.
Now the Important consideration
Is thai these instructions were no mere
perfunctory orders; they were evi-
IDENTIFY the outcome of n policy DELHI
erately adopted and consistently car
ried out. In addition to the ministers
already quoted, Count Okuma, Pre-
mier ana Minister for Home Arrarrs
issued q lengthy injunction on the
subject to the Governors Of prefec-
lures. The Premier said he hoped
II would be clearly understood that
Japanese entertained no hostile feel
ings against the German people, and
that German subjects, who had taken
up their residents In Japan, might
continue to live in the country in pur-
suance of their avocations without
fear or anxiety. Germans who wished
to leave Japan would have no imped-
iment placed In their way: Germans
who desired TO enter Japan were at
liberty to de- so. 1t might, of course.
be necessary for military or naval
reasons TO restrict the liberty Of Ger
man subjects he said, to order their
expulsion or refuse them entry; but
1t Is evident from the wording OF the
gubernatoIial lnienctions that Count
uknma did not anticipate sucn pro-
cedure, and. with one exception no
such action has been found necessary
Count Okuma concluded;
IT Is the desire or the Government
TO alford every possible protection
TO German subjects IN view Of the
friendly relationship that has existed
between japan and Germany, unless
their actions bring them INTO conflict
With the law. All Japanese should
keep the spirit of these injunctions in
mind, and act with good grace and
libertality towards German subjects
resident In Japan
Instructions 10 Students.
cation ISSUED instructions to all the
schools and religious bodies in the
country that students and others must
hH warned 10 refrain from acts and