The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-04-26
JAPANESE TO TAKE
MARKETS OF CHINA
Count Okuma Says Hour Has
Come to Secure Natural
Advantages.
WILL NOT BE BALkED

wAsHrNGroN. April 25.-The account
written by Samuel q. Blythe OF the
Saturday Evening Post OF his Interview
with Count okuma, Premier of japan.
and diplomatic quarters here. particu-
larly because OF his exposition OF the
Japane policy in China. What Count
Okuma said to his American interviewer
is considered here as the most impress
sive revelation OF the real meaning OF
the negotiations now proceeding In
Pekin that yet has been made in any
quarter.
Count Okumas words are regarded as
proof that Japan Is not TO be diverted
from her present programme In China
by any protests from the latter or by
notes OF inquiry from the United States.
II is admitted Furthermore that while the
war In Europe continues no other Power
will set itself in Japan's path In China
What may happen after the war Is the
only basis of hope now entertained here
that Japan's great ambitions In China
will not be finally realised.
The Count Okuma interview Is ac-
cepted here as authentic and full value is
given to this statement made by the
Japanese statesman:
I'VE have now reached point In
Japan where we feel that the time has
arrived for the proper realization OF
ourselves, Of the tremendous advantages
offered to US by the vast territory OF
China and we feel that we are peculiarly
fitted for commercial dealings with that
| nation"
Here the Count expresses the univer-
sal belief that the time has come fol
Japan to realize her ambitions Japan's
! critics In the present crisis assert that
she is taking advantage of her opera.
/ tons against kiao-chow and the absorb
ton of Europe IN the war to gain hei
/ ends Count Okuma also brings ir
the idea of Japans special fitness TO en-
| Joy favors In China. This idea he elabo
! rates as follows:
I'VE have no designs on the territorial
! integrity OF China or any other design
! than the full possession OF the right!
We feel We have there-our natural ad
vantages due TO our geographical situa
| tion, our understanding Of the CHINESE
people and such racial and other rela
And further:
There is no disposition on the par
. of Japan to try to set UP commercial
. monopoly in China. nor is there an.
disposition to look askance at any M
ton that may secure trade with China
Our position is that We. the japanese
are peculiarly placed with regard I
trade and business relations with China
that We have certain natural adva1
tages. and that II is due us, by our
selves. that we shall secure the fulles
measure of return for those advar
tages'
And now comes The meat o! the psopo
sition. revealing the naked truth Of III
situation
In other words. We do not protes
IL other nations shall secure what the
are entitled TO, and expect them to d
30. hut We, for our part, intend
have what We are entitled TO also"
The present negotiations in Peki
show what Japan thinks she is entitle
TO in China. Americans and British
he Far East feel that when Japan ha
secured what she is entitled to" ther
: will be little opportunity left FOR oths
: nations, But particularly notable is n
, idea plainly and forcibly expressed
. the last quotaiion-that of strong d,
termination on the part Of Japan to &,
what she wants and other nations ma
I'm effect take what they can secure,