The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-07-25
JAPAN AWAITS
SHANTUNG DATA
Formal Statement Held Up
Pending Delivery Of Docu-
ments by Germany.
UNABLE TO GIVE PLEDGES
Extent of Holdings Not Known
-Couldn't Transfer Title
at This Time.

WASHINGTON. July 24.-Katsuji De-
buchi. Japanese Charge d'Affairs.
visited the State Department to-day
and discussed with various officials the
Shantung settlement provision Of the
peace treaty.
II was learned that the Japanese
Government had been advised fully Of
the strength of sentiment developed in
the Senate favFing the restoration OF
Shantung to China and also that that
Government was aware OF the under
standing conveyed in yesterdays
White House statement that it speed
lily would clarity the situation by some
declaration OF its purpose regarding
Shantung.
While so far as known the Japanese
Government has not authorized any
Is suggested by officials that the reason
might be found in Article 15s, section s
OF the peace treaty. This article re-
quires Germany 10 hand over to Japan
within three months OF the coming into
force OF the treaty the archives, regis
ters. plans. title deeds and documents OF
every kind relating to the territory OF
Kiaochow, including all of the treaties
bearing on the subject
II IL said that until these are had
tho japanese Government itself is not
able TO make any pledges OF relinquish-
ment. because il does not exactly know
the extent OF its own holdings in Kiao-
chow and Shantung, n6r unles, Germany
should anticipate Jne treaty provisions
on this point will Japan be in position
TO transfer titlo not only before the Anal
ratification of the peace treaty, but for
three months thereafter.
Parliamentary approval is not required
in the case of this treaty in Japan. but
II is said nevertheless, that there are
mechanical and routine difficulties to be
surmounted that. will necessarily con-
sumo much time, probably several
weeks, before the document can be rati-
ned. In the first place II Is pointed
out the treaty has barely reached Japan
at least twenty days being required TO
make the trip from Paris to Toxic.
Translation into Japanese, the next
step, Is said to be a most formidable
oNliB " llle ldhltdi SUI
tural differences between the japanese
and English and French languages and
therefore would require several weeks
at least
Once translat ted the document, It is
explained will be placed in the hands
of the japanese Cabinet, which must
consider It carefully and submit 1t with
comment and Endorsement 10 the I'm
peror. The latter will turn it over TO
his Privy Council, who again must give
the document intensive study and also
/ make critical analysis upon returning
It TO the Emperor. This however. is
the last phase. and II the Emperor Is
satisfied With the work OF his advisers
he may ,clude the treaty Immediately
by affixing his signature.
1t has been learned that at present
no disposition has been evident in Japan
to amend the treaty In any respect. But
in japanese circles here II is asserted
that in the event that should either the
French Chambers or the American Sen
ate make any reservations or changes
substantially affecting the principles
upon which the treaty is drawn th'
fJapanese Government might attempt
also to make reservations, including pos
sibly provisions to safeguard the prin-
ciple OF racial indiscrlmination and other
ideas which the Japanese peace com
missioners broached at Paris.