New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-11-07
Lansing and Ishii Agree to
Maintain Open
Door
Harmony Restored
Between Two Nations
United States Recognizes
Special Interest of
Nippon

WASHINGTON, Nov 6. -- Japan and
the United States have reached a com
plete agreement in regard to China and
at the same time have arrived at a
clear understanding as to military,
naval and economic cooperation in the
war against Germany
This momentous development was an
nounced to-day by Secretary lansing
who made public notes exchanged by
him and Viscount Ishii. the special
Japanese Ambassador, formally record
ing an agreement recognizing that
Japan has a special interest in China,
but pledging the independence and
territorial integrity OF the great East
crn Republic and reafhrming the doc
trino of the "open door" for commerce
and industry.
In a statement accompanying the
note Mr.. Lansing said Viscount Ishii
and the members Of his mission. now
on their way home, had performed a
service Of the highest value TO the
United States as well as 20 Japan. by
clearing away Misunderstanding,
which. II unchecked. promised TO de-
velop a serious situation in the Far
East.
He spoke of an attitude of constraint
and doubt fostered by a campaign of
falsehood adroitly and secretly carried
on by the Germans. and said that
through the frankness and cordially
of the Japanese commissioners the
propaganda Of years had been undone
in few days.
Official Announcement
Following is the State Departments
announcement:
"On Friday, November ?. 1917. the
Secretary of State and Viscount Ishii,
the special japanese Ambassador, eX-
changed at the Department of State
the following notes dealing with the
policy of the United States and japan
in regard to China:
department Of State, Washington,
Nov. 2, 1917.
'Excellency: ! have the honor to
communicate herein my understanding
Of the agreement reached by US in our
recent conversations touching the
questions Of mutual interest 10 our
governments relating to the Republic
Of China.
ain order 70 silence mischievors re-
ports that have from time 70 time
been circulated. it is believed by US
that q public announcement once more
of the desires and intentions shared
by our two governments with regard
70 China is advisable.
"'The governments OF the United
States and Japan recognize that terri
torial propinquity creates special rela-
tions between countries. and. eonse.
quently. the government Of the United
States recognizes that japan has spe-
cisl interests in China. particularly IN
the part to which her possessions arc
contiguous.
"'The territorial sovereignty Of
China, nevertheless, remains unim
naired and the government OF the
United States has every confidence IN
the rcpeated assurances OF the I'M
rerial Janapese government that, while
Geographical position gives Japan such
special interests. they have no desire
20 discriminate against the trade OF
other nations or to disregard the com
mercial rights heretofore granted by
China in treaties with other powers =.
"The governments Of the United
States and Japan deny that they have
any purpose 70 infringe IN any way
the Independence OF territorial integ-
rity Of China, an dthey declare, fur-
thermore, that they always adhere 10
the principle OF the so-cailed open
door" or equal opportunity for COM
mcrce and industry in China.
a'Moreover. they mutually declare
tina. they are opposed 20 the acquisi-
ton by any government OF any special
rights or privileges that would affect