New-York tribune., 1919-08-16
Premier Hara Sends Word
to America That Province
Including kiao.Chau Will
Re Returned to China
Hostile Feeling Deplored
Militarism Is. Blamed and
Move Is Begun to Curb
the Warlike Element

TOXIC. Aug. 12 (By The Associated
Press).-Restitution to China by Japan
of those parts of Shantung province,
including Kiao-chau, now occupied by
Japanese forces, will be made with out
unnecessary delay, but the time re-
qured will be dependent upon the atti-
tude of China, said Takashi Hara, Jap
anese Premier, to-day, in answerAto a
question as to when actual restoration
would take place.
The Premier, in answering the query
Of The Associated Press, made the fol-
lowing statement:
"My colleague, Viscount Uchida, Min
lister of Foreign Affairs, issued a state
ment on August in explanation Of our
policy respecting the Shantung ques-
tion. That statement represents the
considered opinion of this government,
and have little to add in dealing with
the same subject.
(Nlscount Uchida, in his statement,
which was referred to by the Premier,
said that Japan was willing to restore
Shantung to China, and would enter
into negotiations with the Peking gov
ernment as soon as possible after the
Versailles treaty should be ratified by
Japan.)
Depends on China's Attitude
"The question is often asked as to
when Japan will return Kiachau to
China. | would point out in reply that
tor the restitution of kiachau detailed
arrangements should be worked out be-
forehand in common accord between
the Japanese and Chinese governments,
and that the length of time required
for such arrangements depends largely
upon the attitude of China. In any
case, we fully realize that it is as
much in our own interests as in the
interests Of China to accelerate the
conclusion of all needed arrangements
and to effect without unnecessary delay
the restitution of leased territory which
We have solemnly undertaken"
Premier Hara and high officials Of
the Japanese government discussed
frankly with the correspondent what
feeling" in America. They were plainly
disturbed by reliable reports received
here showing uneasiness as to Japan's
attitude relative to Shantung as one
cause for the sentiment of discomfort
among the friends Of Japan, but felt
Japan's repeated assurances as to resti-
tuition, with the Premier's statement to
The Associated Press to-day should
clear the air and prevent any deplor-
able misunderstanding.
Would Curb Militarism
1t is frankly admitted here that
Japan's so-called miltarism is re-
sponsible for much uneasiness abroad,
but the opinion is expressed that for
egn critics who call Japan the Ger
many Of the Far East" neglect to take
into consideration the internal and
historic reason which led the Japanese
people to venerate the army and navy,
including the historic roles played by
the Choshu and Satsumo clans. which
are, respectively, behind the army and
navy, played in the restoration Of he
imperial dynasty and in the wars with
China and Russia.
Nevertheless, the Japanese insist
there is distinct movement under
way to curb any excessive influence
held by the militarists, which might Re
calculated. to be harmful to the legiti-
mate development of the nation and
inimical to Japan's relations with
America.