The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-10-11
Issues Statement to AssOci-
ated Press Outlining His
Stand as to America
NO AGGRESSION TO
BE STARTED, HE SAYS
So Long as Vital Interest of Mikado's
Kingdom Is Not at Stake the
Sword of War Will Not
Be Waved

Copyrighted, 1916, by the Associated
Press.)
Toxic, October 10-The fears of a sec
ton of the Japanese public, which have
found an echo in the United States
China, that the coming into power of the
new ministry may be tantamount to war,
were discussed frankly today by Count
Seiki Terauchi, in giving to the Asso-
ciated Press the first statement he has
made in regard to the foreign policy of
his administration. The premier gave
expression in sentence to the spirit
which he declared would animate his
dealings with other nations. 1t was the
assertion that Japan would not take any
or any other country $50 long as Japan's
vital interests and dignity are not in
fringed."
WILL NOT WAVE SWORD
ANY idea that 1 shall wave the sword
while 1 am prime minister of Japan is
career and complete msconception of the
japanese empire, its past and it's hopes
and ideals for the future he said.
The dramatic summons to the premier
ship of Field Marshal Terauchi, Japan )
dominating military figure. has excited a
discussion overshadowed by no single
event in modern Japanese history. In
view of the worldwide interest in the
significance of his appointment and the
~ bo
premier, who has long had the reputa-
ton of taciturnity, consented to break
his silence, and give to the world through
the Associated Press a general idea of
his purposes and policies. During the
interview he conversed readily in French
and then in Japanese.
The field marshal wore the gray uni
form of his rank. His right ARM shat
tered by a bullet in the Saigo rebellion
of 1877, hung powerless by his side. His
rugged face, stern in repose, relaxed with
a smile as he said:
Tell the American people that my
earnest and constant endeavor shall be
to promote the friendly ties which have
bound Japan and America for half CEN
fury.
RECORD IN KOREA
your people know my administrative
record in Korea. Because I am a sue
cessful soldier shall that prevent m,
| being a prudent minister of state? Say
| it, repeat it, that I come as a states
| man who is seeking the lasting interest.
| OF my people, not as mlitarist seek
| ing glorification by the sword.
| He was quoted as saying the repea
| of American laws regarded by Japanes
! as discriminatory against them, was
| matter of Justice and necessity" he de
| clared emphatcally that as premier h.
| would undertake no new steps in re
| gard to the so-called American prob
| lens, including immigration. In this re
| spect, he said, he would follow closel
the policies of the outgoing cabinet.
| What will be Japan's policy towar,
China?" the correspondent asked. "a
the ministry was organized only yes
terday, have not discussed China wit
my associates he said. However
Ito have China benefit like Japan, fror
1.-THE fruits of world civilization an
world progress The Japanese and Chi
nese people have sprung from the sam
stock. Our future destiny is a commo
destiny that is historically involved"
! u. S. INTERESTS SAFE
Though he was unable to dwell o
a detailed programme, the premier con
tinued, he could affirm that America
Interests in China would be harmed i
no wise by Japan, which had no inten
ton of violating Cnfna's sovereignty c
preventing interested nations from HAY
ing equal opportunities.
people talk of closing the door," /
said. That is a complete nonpossumu
$50 long as Japan's vital interests an
dignity are not infringed, Japan wi
take no aggressive step against an
nation, especially America"
will the Japanese alliance wit
Russia be the basis of policy in tt
orient?" he was asked.
Japan, true to her obligations, n;
turally will be bound in her future pol
cies, by her alliances with Great Bri
ian and Russia" he responded, "b'
that does not imply disregard of TO
tering amity with others, notab
America, whose friendship and co-ol
ieration we have every reason to chez