The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1919-08-11
JAPS CONCEALED
SECRET TREATY.
Lansing Says Ishii Kept Exist
ence of Agreement Hidden
From Him.


the secret treaty between Japan and
Great Britain regarding the Shan
tung, China, peninsula was "con-
cealed" from Secretary Lansing by
Viscount Ishii, Japanese ambassador
to the United States. Mr.. Lansing
testified today before the senate for
eign relations committee.
On Sept. 6, 1917. Mr.. Lansing said
during the negotiations leading up
to the Lansing -Ishii agreement, Wis
count Ishii told him that he had as
sured Sir Edward Grey, the British
foreign minister. that Japan would
return Kiauchau to China, but
would have to retain the German Pa
cific islands, because no Japanese
government could stand without re-
tanning them."
did Viscount Ishii make any fur
ther statement regarding the dispo-
sition of German claims in China ?"
asked Senator Borah, republican, of
Idaho.
NO" replied Secretary Lansing.
''But you know now that at that
time Japan had an understanding
with Great Britain for Japanese con-
troll of Kiauchau and that Ishii con-
cealed that from the secretary of the
United States?"
That's the truth"
The secretary said he first heard of
the secret treaties on the subject
between Japan and Great Britain,
France, Russia and Italy in February
of this year at Versailles. He said
he had Investigated very thor
oughly" and that these secret trea-
ties never were published in Russia.
sSenator Johnson, republican, Cali
fornia, recalled. that former Premier
Viviani, OF France, and Arthur j.
Balfour, former foreign minister of
Great Britain visited the United
States Immediately after this country
entered the war and asked If either
disclosed any Of the secret territorial
agreements OF their countries.
Neither of them," said Mr.. Ian
sing.
Senator Pomerene, democrat Ohio,
asked if China had any knowledge
of the negotiations leading up to the
Lansing-Ishii agreement.
Not until 1t was negotiated" MIR.
Lansing replied, anG Mr.. Pomerenc
asked why China was not advised.
1T was merely a declaration of
mutual policy of the two govern
ments," said the secretary. 1T did
not affect any right of China, ex-
cept that our two governments agreed
to keep hands off,
Senator Pomerene asked when
China noted exceptions to the agree
ment, and Mr.. Lansing said he never
understood China had taken excep-
tions. but later had made "declar-
alton"
Not Absolutely binding"
Mr.. Lansing added that he did not
regard the Lansing-Ishii agreement
as absolutely binding" upon the
United States, but rather as an
agreement similar to the Root
Takahira and other understandings"
for action. Senator New, republican,
Indiana. asked IL Mr.. Lansing knew
OF any recommendations made by the
navy general board regarding agree
ments between the powers for dis |
position of German territory in the |
Pacific. Mr.. Lansing said he did not |
have direct knowledge of such |
but thought there |
were some in connection with Pacific |
cables.
Did you know there was formal |
of the general |
board?" asked Mr.. New.
II did not"
Explaining in detail the negotia- |
tions between himself and Viscount |
Ishii in consummation of their agree
ment, Secretary Lansing said:
Il suggested that it would be well |
for the two governments to reaftirm
the open door policy in China on ac-
count Of the reports in circulation
that Japan was intending to take ad-
Of conditions growing out of
the war to extend her sphere of in
fuence In China. Viscount Ishii re-
piled that he agreed, but thought the
agreement should recognize the
special interest of japan in China, on
account of geographical, racial, COM
mercial and other relations of con-
tinguous countries.
Objected to Word "PoliticaI."
II replied that l was willing to state
that Japan had special interest in
China, but not a political interest,
and I objected to making an agree
nent without defining and limiting
The term special interest | said that
4 it meant paramount interest, I
could not discuss 1t further, but If 1t
meant merely special interest, |
would consider 1t.
"Viscount Ishii brought up the
Monroe doctrine and suggested there
should be a Monroe doctrine for the
'ar east.
~ told him there was much mis-
about the Monroe doc
.rine, that it was not an assertion
oy the United States Of a primary
,r paramount interest in the countries
If the western hemisphere, but a
to prevent interference Of
'oreign nations with their affairs or
erritory, and that the United States
claimed no special privileges over
,ther nations"
Senator Brandegee. republican,
Connecticut, interrupted the secre-
.ary's reading of his statement re-
yarding the negotiations to inquire
whether the discussions were oral
With Viscount Ishii, and the account
submitted TO the committee made
rom memory. Mr.. Lansing said the
discussions with the former Japanese
were oral and without
he presence of stcnographer.
WILSON SAYS REPEATED