Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-11-07


nations or to disregard the commercial
rights heretofore granted by China in
treaties with other powers
The governments of the United
States and japan deny that they have
any purpose to infringe in any way
the independence or territorial integ-
rity of China and they declare, further
more, that they always adhere to the
principle of the so-called open door or
equal opportunity for commerce and
industry in China.
Moreover they mutually declare
that they are opposed to the acquisi-
ton by any government of special
rights or privileges that would affect
the independence of territorial integ-
rity of China or that would deny to
the subjects or citizens of any country
the fun enjoyment of equal opportu-
nifty in the commerce and industry Of
China.
I shall be- glad to have your ex-
tellency confirm this understanding of
the agreement reached by us.
Accept. excellency, the renewed as
"urance Of my highest consideration.
(Signed) ROERT LANSING.
he SptNldl inlSSlOn Vi Japan.
Washington, Nov > 1917,
Sir: | have the honor to acknowl-
edge the receipt of your note of today,
communicating to me your understand
ing of the agreement reached by US in
cur recent conversations touching the
questions of mutual interest to our
governments relating to the republic
of China.
i am happy TO be able to confirm.
under authorization of my government.
the understanding in question set
forth in the following terms:
IHcrc the special ambassador repeats
the language of the agreement as Civ
m in Secretary Lansing's note,.
'CSigned) *. ISHII.
Ambassador extraordinary aud
pIenirotontiary of Japan on special
mission
In his statement accompanying the
announcement Secretary Lansing said:
"NlscoCnt lshii anG the other Japa nese
commissioners who are now on their
way back to their country. have per-
termed Il service to the United States
as well as to Japan which is Of the
highest value.
ouSpiCioN VlInCfdWh
"Th"rc had unquestioua Div been
growing up between the peoples Of The
two countries a feeling of suspicion as
IT, the motives inducing the activities
oi til" Other in the Far East Rumors
and reports of improper intentions
We're increasing ana were more and
more believed. Legitimate commercial
and industrial enterprises without III
terror motive were presumed TO have
political significance. with the result
that opposition to those enterprises
We're reused in the other country
The attitude of constraint and
doubt thus created was fostered and
encouraged by the campaign of false
hood, which for long time had been
adroitly and secretly carried on by
&c rmanN whose government as Il part
81 its foreign policy, desired especially
It. so ALLEVIATE this country and Japan
that it would be at the chosen time no
difficult task to cause a rupture of
their good relations.
Fortunately this distrust was not
Sc general in either the United States
q Japan as to affect the friendly re-
lationS of the two governments. but
there is no doubt that the feeling of
suspicion was increasing and the un-
true reports were receiving more and
more credence in spite of the earnest
efforts which We're made on both sides
of the Pacific to counteract move
ment which would jeopardize the an
Gent friendship of the two nations.
Great Change Of Opinion
The visit of Niscount Ishi and his
colleagues has accomplished a great
change of opinion i'll this country. BY
frankly denouncing the evil influences
which have been at work by openly
proclaiming that the policy of Japan
i: not one of aggression. and by de-
c'aring that there is no intention to
axe advantage, commercially. or indus
triallN. of the special relations to
China. created by geographical posi-
ton, the representatives of Japan
have cleared the diplomatic atmosphere
of the suspicious which had been so
carefully spread by our enemies and
by misguided or over jealous people
i'll both countries. In a few days the
propaganda of years has been undone,
and both nations are now able to see
HOW near lllcS CdIllt " DtlllS leu lnIO
the trap which had been skilfully set
for them.
Throughout the conferences which
have taken place, Niscount Ishii has
shown a sincerity and candor which
dispelled every doubt as to his pur-
pose and brought the two governments
into an attitude of confidence toward
each other wrhich made it possible to
discuss every question with frankness
and cordiality.
The principal result of the nego-
tiations was the mutual understanding
which was reached as to the princi-
pies governing the policies Of the two
governments in relation to China. This
understanding is formally set forth in
the notes exchanged and now made
public. The statements in the notes
require no explanation. They not only
contain a reaffirmation of the open
door policy, but introduce principle
OF non interference with the sovereign
ty and territorial integrity of China,
" hich, generally applied, is essential to
perpetual international peace. as clear
ly declared by President Wilson and
which is the very foundation also of
pan Americanism as interpreted by
this government