Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1919-05-20
JAPAN lights EAST,
IS NIPPONESE VIEW
Japan's Progress of Ad-
vantage to World, Says
Former F oreign Minister
STILL AMERICAS
PROTEGE, SPEAKER SAYS

! WASHINGTON, May 2O-"There is no
peril arising out Of Japans progress.
Japan is the torch bearer OF western
civilization in the ORIENT
This declaration was made here by
Shimpei Goto, formerly foreign minis
ter Of Japan. in an interview. He is
regarded as being possibly the next
premier Of Japan, and in view Of his
high standing in japanese politics his
statements are 81 particular interest.
lie said:
Il am here in a Private capacity.
with no Official authority, and am not
speaking for the japanese government.
As regards the League Of Nations, the
japanese people undoubtedly have been
| in accord with its underlying princi-
pies as originally conceived. II all the
principles originally proclaimed have
been adopted. the japanese people
would have Endorsed them, but as the
Peace Conference progI essed 70 became
evident that each nation was eager 10
put in The covenant home clauses,
which would take care Of its own pri-
vate interets rather Than the common
interests Of all nations, as a result OF
which the covenant consists Of clauses
which represent the surface desires or
intrests NJ the component nations.
AS far as Japan Is concerned. she
undoubtedly Will he faithful 10 the
covenant and will observe every pro-
vision in 10. Her history proves that she
has always adhered 10 every treaty she
has entered into.
Japan Is deeply concerned with the
present conditions Of her neighbors on
the continent Of Asia. refer 20 Rus
STA and China Japan Is very anxious
that Russia should In the near future
organize a stable government. on the
other hand, China is In almost as un-|
happy condition as Russia. The coun-
try is divided among the different fac
tons. The uniflcaiion OF the country
is not yet in sight. Japan only hopes
that these different factions will soon
succeed in organizing a unified stable
government.
There is one thing that would like
to call attention 10. and that Is there
seems 10 be a great deal OF misunder-
standing among Americans with regard
10 japan. IN spite OF ncf moucst
achievements still regards herself as
Americas protege.
Japan is still your pupil. She has
still much more 10 learn from you. III
YOU cease 10 look upon us as your COM
petitOr and return 10 those days when
you looked upon as your pupil, you will
find no reason 20 misiudge us.
81 am exceedingly sorry that the mis-
taken notion Of the yellow peril has
disturbed the minds even OF your en-
lighiened people. That notion, as every
body knows. was originated by the
kaiser and has been assiduOusly spread
abroad Even today many Of your peo-
pie seem TO take the idea OF the yellow
peril rather seriously. Our progress is
10 the advantage OF not only the Far
Fast. but OF the whole world. But for
the progress we have achieved there
would have been no western culture
and civilization in the whole Orient.
Il think most Of your distinguished
leaders and also our leaders in Japan
agree that there is nothing in the Jap
anese-A American relations that VIII
bring about serious conflict