New-York tribune., 1919-08-22

Root Takahira agreement He said the
Lansing lshii agreement was direct
contravcntion of important parts of the
ot-Takahira agreement The latter
carefully refrained from mentioning
any Especial interest" in China, while
the Lansing Ishii agreement did recog-
nize such interest. The Root Takahra
arrangement, Dr.. Ferguson explained,
was initiated at the suggestion Of the
United States, while the other was ini-
tiated by Japan. The Root-Takahra
arrangement was that all nations
should be treated alike and the open
door maintained. The Lansing -Ishii
agreement recognized Japans special
interest and influence.
Japanese Interests Recognized
The LansingIshii agreement "recog
nizes that Japan has special interests
in China, particularly in the part of
China TO which her possessions in
China are contiguous" said Dr. Fergu-
son. This gives Japan special in
terest in Manchuria, which is contig-
uous to Corea and probably recognizes
Japan's claim to a special interest in
the province of Fukien. opposite the
island Of Formosa, which is owned by
Jaran.'
secretary Lansing mas SAld ne
suggested to Japan that it would
policy" suggested Senator Swan
son, Of Virginia, "Vscount Ishii re-
piled that he felt Japan had a special
interest in China, though not politi-
cal one. it being based merely on the
propinquity of the two countries"
THAT would be my Interpretation"
replied Dr.. Ferguson, "but when Ishii
came here on a special mission in con-
nection with these matters and saw
MIR. Lansing, the latter thought that on
account of Japan's attitude in Shan
tuHg 1t was desirable for Japan to
reafilrm her attitude of non-aggres-
sion. Viscount Ishii countered Mr..
Lansing by urging statement that
ing objected to this, but in the final
agreement that statement was never
theless included, | judge, contrary to
the advice Of Mr.. Lansing"
President Is Blamed
The impression left on the minds
OF the committee members was that the
president was responsible for inducing
the Secretary of State to change his
attitude and accept the Japanese view
point.
But the testimony of Secretary
Lansing shows that lie apparently
acqulesed in the Japanese claim"
suggested Senator Moses.
Answering questions by Senator
Moses, Dr.. Ferguson said:
The Chinese had every means and
facility for presenting their case at
the peace congress at Paris. Unoffi
cial suggestions were, | understand
made to the Chinese that it would be
lnadvlsable for them to employ
foreign advisers in conducting their
interests at Paris, as it was repre-
sented that the employment of foreign
advisers might prejudice their case in
such complicated situation"
was any other nation placed under
sucn llmltat!ons with regard to that
matter?" asked Senator Moses.
NO. replied Ul Ferguson.
notified finally OF the Shantung de
clslon :" asked Senator Moses.
Not Notified in Writing
NY understanding is that it was
notified through the publicity depart
ment of the American mission. YER
bally, and not in writing 1t is said.
though | do not know by what author
lty, that Ray Stannard Baker commu
hicated the determination to the Chi
nese Also, it was understood y,
Paris that the Japanese drafting COM
mlttee drafted Articles 1856 l57 and
l5S. the articles in which the treaty
makes the disposition of Shantunr TO
Japan.
AS to the stories about the twenty
one demands which Japan made on
China 10 1915, there were three sets #
these demands, the tisst. on January 16.
iva, another and third containing
some revlslons, which was given out On
Apr! 26. But the demands made durjnr
'ne negotiations up to the time of tho
uiatimatum were those waich appeared
IN teh original document. During tn.
period the United States Legation at
Seklng consistently and continuously
urged Chirs not to grant the terms"
We did, and fear that under the
PROVISIONS relating TO regional un-
ueIatahoings' III the league covenant
would oe INCLUDED the Lansing-Ishii
asreemeht. regard that agreement
as unfortunate and out OF keeping
with our traditional Eastern policy Tho
Root -Takahira agreement ropreseotad
that traditional policy The latter
agreement that territorial propinouitv
creates special interest between mn
,ions, raises all cmbarras ssment in e.-
,oIclNg the open door Between Emo.
land and France such an agreement
would have no significance. both being
hrst class powers. Between a stronc
ana weak nation it would amount 10
a threat" A''' W
,, The committee will hear Professor
e. -; Wlli1ams tomorrow. At meet
ing late to-day the committee agreed
10 near also representatives of the
Cr,e ek