New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-10-11
Won't Be Aggressive as
Long as Nippon's Dig
nifty Is Safe.
SOLDIER LEADER
NOT HUNTING WAR
Wants China to Share
Fruits of Civil
iZation.
Copyright. 1915. BY TIE Associated presj


ton OF the japanese public, which have
found an echo in the United States and
China, that the coming into power of
the new Ministry may be tantamount
70 war were discussed frankly to-day
by Premier Count Seiki Tersuchi, in
giving TO The Associated Press the
nrst statement he has made in regard
10 the foreign policy of his admins
tration.
The Premier gave expression in
sentence 10 the spirit which he de-
clared would animate his dealings with
other nations. Il was the assertion
that Japan would not take any ag-
gresslve step toward the United States
or any other country $50 long as ia
pans vital interests and dignity are
not infringed."
ANY idea that I shall wave the
sword while | am Prime Minister Of
Japan is based on a false comprehen-
sion Of my career and a complete mis-
conception Of the japanese Empire, its
past and its hopes and ideals for the
future he said.
The dramatic summons 10 the Pre-
miership of Field Marshal Terauchi,
Japan's dominating military figure. has
excited a discussion not overshadowed
by any single event in modern Japanese
history. In view of the worldwide
interest in the significance of his ap-
pointment and the misgivings II appar-
emily has caused. the Premier, who has
long had the reputation of taciturnity.
consented to break his silence and give
general idea of his purposes and
policies. During the interview he con-
versed readily in French and then IN
Japanese.
States Friendship for L. S.
The field marshal wore the gray uni
form Of his rank. His right arm. shat
tered by bullet in the Saigo rebellion
of 1877. hung powerless by his side.
His rugged face. stern in repose, re-
Taxed with a smile as he said:
TELL the American people that ny
earnest and constant endeavor shall be
20 promote the friendly ties which have
bound Japan and America for half
century.
Your people know my administra-
tive record in CoTea. Because | am
successful soldier. shall that prevent
my being a prudent minister OF state
Say il, repeat i, that | come as a
statesman who is seeking the lasting
interests of my people, not as mill
tarist seeking glorifcation by the
sword"
The Premier disclaimed responsible
ity for the interview in New York with
Baron Sakatani. who was quoted as
saying that the repeal Of American
laws regarded by the Japanese as dis
criminatory against them was matter
Of Justice and necessity" lie de-
clared emphatically that as Premier
he would undertake no new steps IN
regard 20 the so-called American prob
lens, including immigration. In TINS
respect, he said. he would follow close
" the policies Of the outgoing Caol-
net
What will be Japan's policy toward
China" the correspondent asked.
Wants China TO Benefit.
"As the ministry was organized only /
Yesterday. 7 have not discussed China F.
with nv associates" he replied. How .
ever. speaking generally. Japan's ambi- /
ton is 20 have China benefit. like
japan. from the fruits Of the world
civilization and world progress. The /
japanese and Chinese people have /
sprung from the same stock. Our fut- /
ure destiny is a common destiny that
is historically involved"
Though he was unable 70 dwell on a
detailed programme. tne Premier con- /
tinued. he could affirm that Americas
interests in China would be harmed IN
nowise by Japan. which had no inten-
ton Of violating Chinas sovereignty
or preventing interested nations from /
having equal opportunities.
"People talk OF closing the door, he /
said. THAT is a complete non pos |
$50 long as Japan's vital interests
and dignity are not infrlnged Japan
will take no aggressive step against
anv nation. especially America
"Will the japanese alliance with .
Russia be the basis Of policy IN the
Orient?' nc was asked.
"Japan. true 20 her obligations, nat
urauy will be bound in her future poll
cies bv her alliances with Great Brit
ain and Russia" he responded, but
that does not imply disregard OF fos-
+erinp amitv with others, notably
America. whose friendship and CO.
operation we have every reason 70
cherish. The empire faces a situation
which demands strenuous and unihed
exertions 20 secure reforms Of the ma
tional life. 70 nourish the strength oil
her resources and 70 place the nation
on an unshakable foundation Of secure .
and lasting peace in the Far East
Faith To BE Maintained.
"Our supreme efforts abroad should .
be 20 maintain faith with foreign
powers and TO be strictly fair and up
right. Japan's progress as world
power. which is inevitable, must be
marked with prudence and caution, es,
pecially in the period Of world crisis.
The Premier said he saw no likeii- F.
hood Of more active participation III .
the war BY Japan. He ridiculed suspi--
cions that Japan had designs in regard .
10 the Philippines, saying that II any .
power we're TO be there he was glad 1t .
should be America.
Concerning the contention that the .
Cabinet was reactionary and that ITS
creation was opposed 20 the rights or
the people the Premier said with mill
tary brevity: my appointment is IN .
exact accordance with the provisions OF .
the Japanese constitution"
mot revolutionary, not aggressive,
not militaristic, but constructive-that
-. r,,r rro~rarnnnc" declared the Pre-