New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-04
German Plots
Failed at Toxic,
Asserts Japan
Frequent Attempts Made
to Estrange Nippon from
u. S. and Great Britain

Toxic, March 3.-An additional state
ment issued by the japanese Foreign
Office to-day refers to frequent at
tempts of Germany "to SOW seeds OF
distrust between Japan and Great Brit
ain and to cause the enlargement Of
Japan and the United States" AMI
adds:
"The government is confident that
the peoples and governments of the
Entente will continue to have conf
dence in Japan's loyalty and its deter
mination to extend all possible aid and
share the difficulties and hardships un-
til the struggle against Germany and
crueltes ends
"Too Ridiculous for Words
A statement also was made on behalf
Of the government by kiiuro Shide-
hara. Vice-Foreign Minister, who said:
1--WE were greatly surprised to hear
Of the German proposal. We cannot
imagine what Germany is thinking
about to conceive that she could posi-
bly, involve us in war with the United
States merely by asking Mexico. This
is too ridiculous for words. Needless
TO say, Japan remains faithful TO her
allies"
In response to a question regarding
Japan's attitude toward the anti-Jap-
anese measures which were brought
forward in Idaho end Oregon, NJ. Shide-
hara said: 49,.
"Of course. we registered objections
10 the bills on the ground that they we're
diecriminatorv. Japan is convinced Sec
retary Lansing has done everything
possible TO prevent the passage Of the
measures, but regrets the apparent re-
vival OF an anti-alien measure in one
state. We realize the embarrassment
of the central government owing to the
system of state rights. but IT IS our
dutv TO protect the dignity. honor and
interests IF japanese subjects
lingo Press Comment
The Vice-Foreign Minister was asked
about comments Of several japanese
newspapers. referring to the alleged
menace of the increasing navy OF the
United States. the possibility Of a fut-
ure war. condemning anti-Japanese
legislation in America, and urging the
creation of identical interests with
, China by cooperation as a means OF
imnrovinp the chances of solving all
the problems which, continuing, might
lead 10 war.
". Shidehara replied that the Jap
anesc press did not represent the opln-
ion of responsible japanese leaders, nor
influence the government, whose con-
slant desire was friendship with Amer
lea.
Concerning Mexico, he said the Jap
anesc relations with that country were
normal. He understood that some Jap
anese mechanics sailed on the kotohira
Maru with machinery chiefly designed
for Mexican paper mills. Mexican
agents, he said, were unable TO pur-
chase rifles or war munitions IN Japan.
Colonel Manuel Perez Romero, Min
istcr Of the Mexican dc factO govern
ment TO Japan. to-day denied all knowl-
edge Of the German conspiracy. lie
declared that he had conducted no ne
gotiations on that subject.
Although some groups OF japanese
profess prO-Gcrman sentiments, dlplo-
matte representatives OF the Entente
Powers here express the conviction
that the Terauchi government not only
e. faithful 10 the Entente, but cssenti-
ally prudent in all Affairs OF state, seek
ING 10 avoid new difficulties IN the
present world crisis. Germany unsuc-
cefsfully attempted two years ago 70
dctach Japan from the Entente, and
Japan promptly informed her allies
II 10.