New-York tribune., 1919-08-12

similar to the Root -Takahira and other
Understandings" for action.
Replying to Senator New, Repub
lican, Indiana, Mr.. Lansing said he
had no knowledge Of any recommends
tions made by the navy general board
regarding agreements between the pow
ers for disposition Of German territory
in the Pacific, but he thought there was
some in connection with Pacific cables.
Explains the Negotiations
Explaining in detail the negotiations
between himself and Viscount lshii in
consummation Of their agreement, Sec
retary Lansing said:
II suggested that it would be we'll
for the two governments TO reaffirm
the open door policy in China on ac-
count of the reports IN circulation that
Japan was intending TO take advantage
of conditions growing out Of the war
to extend her sphere Of influence in
China, Viscount Ishli replied that he
agreed, but thought the agreement
should recognize the special interest
of Japan in China on account OF geo
graphical, racial, commercial and other
relatiens Of contiguous countries.
81 replied that | was willing to tate
that Japan had special interest in
China, but not a political interest.
and | objected to making an agree
ment without defining and limiting the
term special interest," | said that Il It
meant paramount interest | could not
discuss it further. but if it meant
merely special interest | would CON
slider it.
"Viscount Ishii brought up the Mon
roe Doctrine and suggested there
should be a Monroe Doctrine for the
Far East. Itold him there was much
misconception about tho Monroe Doc
trine; that it was not an assertion by
the United States of a primary or par
amount interest in the countries OF
the Western Hemisphere, but dec
laraton to prevent interference of for
eign nations with their affairs or ter
ritoty and that the United States
claimed no special privileges over
other nations.
Favored Same Principle
81 told Viscount ishii that ielt
the same principle (of the Monroe Doe
trine) which applied to American coun-
no special privilege, and certainly no
paramount interests, should be claimed
by any foreign power in China"
"Did he Ishii) apparently con-
slider your view or simply maintain
silence ?" asked Senator Brandegee,
Republican, Connecticut.
."Simply maintained silence said Mr..
Lansing.
Secretary Lansing, under question
ing, added that while Viscount Ishii
did not specifically "waivc" his inter
probation OF special interest" he so
did tacitly by continuing the discus
sions
Senator Borah read dispatches which
he said had been sent to Pctrograd by
the Russian Ambassador at Toxic IN
October. 1917, saying the Japanese
Foreign Office showed disposition to
interpret the phrase Especial interest"
as meaning paramount interest. Sec
retary Lansing said he never had
heard of the dispatches, but that the
Japanese government never had made
such declaration.
Not Bound by Secret Pacts
Asked for details about the way
the secret treaties between the Allies
and Japan came to the knowledge of
the peace conference, the Secretary
said he could not be expected TO re
call such details.
"Was there no definite policy on
the part of the American delegates
regarding secret treatie >" asked SEN
ator Johnson, Republican. California
1--WE did not consider ourselves
bound by secret treaties
THAT was definite policy? ?"
at was definite policy"