Evening star., 1918-06-02
DECLARES JAPAN
LOYAL TO ALLIES
Baron Goto Says His Govern
ment Entered War to
"Keep the Faith"
DENIES HE IS PR0-GERMAN

LONDON. May 80.-The Daily Mai
today publishes from its Toxic cor.
respondent sn interview with the
Japanese foreign minister. Baror
Shimpei Goto. which is remarkable
for its discussion by question and
answer of Japan's good faith toward
the allies and of the pro-Germanisn
attributed to Baron Goto in some
quarters. The interview is mainly
concerned with the prospects OF
japanese Intervention in Siberia.
Baron Goto said the allies had
made no formal proposal to Japan TO,
such Intervention. but that any sug-
gestions by the allies would receive
sympathetic consideration. Asked
what compensation Japan would de-
mand for Intervention, Baron Goto
replied that this would depend on
varying circumstances-size Of the
army. the extent of the theaters OF
operations and the like.
But at the present moment" the
foreign minister said, 1--WE are not
Of everything for the allied cause
which we have faithfully made our
own"
Japan-U. 8. Relations.
Concerning the relations Of Japan
with the United States, Baron Goto
said that since the steel difficulty
had been settled Japan no longer had
any cause for complaint.
The correspondent suggested that
Great Britain had been instrumental
In ~ IN M ri n n
japanese relations. as she had
brought accord between Russia and
Japan. To this Baron Goto replied:
You are quite right. Great Britain
Is factor in bringing America and
Japan into closer and more cordial
continued on all sides with the object
Of strengthening the intimacy and
fellowship of the allies"
Questioned concerning the Japanese
politicians who. the correspondent
said. appeared to regret that Japan
was not allied with Germany, Baron
Goto said:
II do not say there are not such
men among us, but temporary politi-
cal partisanship should not be mis-
taken for solid convictions. The
British people may rest assured that
SO long as the japanese empire ex-
lists the japanese people are their
good friends"
Replies to Accusations.
Coming to the question Of accusa-
tions of his alleged pro-Germanism.
Baron Goto spoke as follows:
Il stayed in Germany for many
years and studied there, and people
may think me pro-German. I am not
pro-German at all. am not anti
English. I am japanese. sharing the
national views regarding our inter-
national relationship
Emphasizing this point. Baron Goto
insisted that it was impossible that
he could be pro-German, because
Germany is an enemy" But he de-
clined to discuss what he described
as the meaningless question whether
he believed in the permanency Of the
Anglo-Japanese alliance.
Entered War to "Keep the Faith. !"
/, In reply to a question concerning
allegations that Japan was in the
fight only for materialistic ends, the
foreign minister said:
Japan had no particular reason to
go to war with Germany. She came in
in obedience to obligations Of the
Anglo-Japanese alliance-to keep the
faith. The facts are there to justify
U.S."
Baron Goto expressed the fear that
the war might be protracted. but he
was confident of an allied victory.
He said the allies never had asked
Japan to send troops to the western
front.