The Lancaster news. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1905-current, 1919-04-04
Baron Maxine Issues Statement
Outlining the Position of
Japan as to League.
ASK FOR RACIAL EQUALITY
Says No Asiatic Nation Could
BE Happy in League With
Racial Determinations in Fa-
vOr of Others.


of Japan, said:
You ask me for a plain and
frank statement of the position OF
Japan. Well, l am tempted to ask
you a question in reply:
'Do you think it possible for me
to say anything that will not be
wilfully distorted and misrepresent-
ed by those who have long and per-
sistently sought to clog the efforts
of my country. To ascribe to her
motives she has never had and to
malign her at every turn? Let us
see.
LAS to the United States, Japan
has a very sincere regard
eve owe TO her our place in the
world, that is to say. the civilized
world. Perhaps l should not alto.
eether agree to that phrase. because
you know apd every one should
know. that Japan has enjoved civ
ilization all her own for many ages.
1t was a civilization born of the
highest sense OF honor
You will note here that Ameri-
ca was the first country to agree to
make a treaty with us abolishing
extra-territorialty. You must re-
member that we did not ask TO join
this first league OF nations We
were forced to do so. Perry came
to us with naval power and forces
to compel us to open Japan to inter
course with the western world
1--WE yielded and am glad. as is
" l Japan that we did yield. because
ii has been of great benefit TO our
country
And now we are asked n second
But how? AS equals? II so We are
ready. We want to consider with
the greatest care the interests of all
our associate nations in such a
league because by no other policy
can the league OF nations succeed.
mo Asiatic nation could be hap
nv in league OF nations in which
sharp racial discrimination is main
tanned While we feel very keenly
on this point our precise position
must not he misunderstood nor mis-
represented.
I'VE are not too proud to fight but
we are too proud to accept a place of
admitted inferiority in dealing with
one or more associate nations. We
want nothing but simple Justice We
are glad TO Join the league OF ma.
tions and do our full share in the
maintenance OF the worlds peace
and order and the reign OF justice
for all peoples.
I'VE do not wish to impose our
laboring classes az immigrants upon
any OF our associate countries. WEI
recognize that this question is one
with which each nation must deal
individually and we have volunta-
rily shown our good faith by our Oh
servarce OF the sc-called gentlemen 8
agreement with the United States
and this Notwithstanding that the
principle is in direct contravention
OF the measures adopted by the Il
western powers in forcing the door
OF our hermit kingdom.
I'VE do not object to the proviso
suggested by Elihu Root safeguard
ing his country on the subject OF in
ternational administration. His
applies alike to all coun-
tries. We want no special privi-
leees.
What we do say and feel is that
we are entitled to a frank and omen
admission by the allies with whom
We have fought and will fight for
free and civilized world and beside
whose sons our men have died, that
the principle Of equality and justice
is fundamental tenet OF the
league.
1--WE see difficulties in the way of
p permanent and successful opera
ton OF this league OF nations unless
the contracting parties enter II with
mutual respect. Marriages OF con-
venience too often breed distrust
ard d'scord rather than content
lnent."