The Hawaiian gazette., 1918-04-16


Niscount Ishm evidently reversed his
determination to not give out any but
set and carefully thought out state
ment to the press on his way to Wash
ington, after he was informed through
his secretary, X. Dcbuchi, that there
had been important international de-
velOpments since he had left Japan, up
on which his views were of vast inter
est to the whole American nation
1t was after this was communicated
to the new Japanese ambassador aboard
the Siberia Maru yesterday morning
that he consented to answer the ques
tons of English reporters for few
moments. While the interview was
brief, Niscount lshii answered every
question with deliberatencss and appar-
emit frankness
When an effort was made to get the
viscOunt to give n brief outline of Jap
an : attitude on the siberian question,
he evidently considered that it was
coupled with thought of the reported
German Finnish japanese alliance, for
he answered:
of any action is taken toward 81.
IBERIA by an armed Japanese force it
will be for the benefit of our Allies and
not for the purpose of effecting any
alliance with Germany
Vladivostok Incident
He said he believed that the landing
of japanese and British marines at
NladivostOk was merely a police move
for the protection of the lives and
property of japanese and British sub
jects there, and not an Indication Of
what may or may not later follow il
Russia is found to be unable to control
it's internal affairs.
After the Information was given to
Viscount Ishii that a radical element
Of the siberian soviet had declared a
state of war with Japan for the land
ing of forces at NladivoStok. he said
that this was news, as no such wire
less report had been received ON the
Siberia during the voyage from Japan.
While he did not comment ON the re
ported action of the Siberian soviet, it
was apparent he accepted the news
much as had the rest of the world, as
matter of some interest, but not one
of any overShadOwing pOrtent.
German Raider Bases
Inquiry was made of Viscount lshii
as to whether there was any reason for
fear that Germany might establish
naval or raider bases at the ports on
the long Russian Pacific Coast at the
breaking up of the ice this spring, from
where enemy vessels might prey on the
Allied shipping and unprotected towns
and cities in this ocean.
thOnUh
the subject were one which had been
given much thought, the \isc"unt re
piled:
cit is possible even probable.
"But if this is done a move must
be made at once to stop it, he said
when asked if Japan would he able to
control and drive out such Hun
| menace.
In what was the only Indication Of
any "diplOmatic qualifications during
the interview, he refused to assert that
Japan alone would be able to handle
such a situation with her navy. But
this was probably caused more by his
| dCirC not to appear too proud Of
Japan : nuNaI proves than be-, ausr Of
doubt, for he answered:
Japan will try-that is the best
we can do.
In Semi.uiirial statement prrpar
ed for the Honolulu press and gwen to
the reporters Mt the arrival of the
Siberia by Secretary Deburhi. the WIS
count said:
Remain Vigilant
eve must not relax our vlgllant
watch lest our ever active enemy again
slip in an dsow the seeds Of dlrrord
which he has done with small success
in the past. "
Niscount Ishii, AS head of the dIplo.
matte mission which went t" Washing
ton last year, emphasized IN every
public utterance that much Of the feet.
Tag which had been created between
Japan and America had always been
the work of agents spreading German
propaganda, and it is at such attacks
his semi official statement is no doubt
' directed.