New-York tribune., 1919-03-15
w ont Press $
League Rights,
Ishiiii Declares
Ambassador Says Japan Will
Not Force immigration
Into u. 5. Under Covenant


Nlscount ishii, Japanese Ambassador
to the United States, that the Japanese
nation would wait patiently for the
time when, by gradual evolution OF
labor conditions, the question Of
Japanese immigration TO the United
States should be solved.
Speaking at the annual dinner OF
the Japanese Society of New York, at
the Hotel Astor the amba ssador said
in the mean time Japan would continue
to carry out her policy OF self-imposed
restriction OF labor emigraton not
withstanding any stipulation in The
covenant OF the league of nations pro.
,ldng against social discrimination.
Former Attorney General George v
Wickersham presided.
Speaking frankly, the ambassador
said, as friend to friend, he declared
the ultimate league Of nations cove
nant would be unworthy OF the peace
conference unless it remedied racia
prejudices and discrimination. Japar
realized the delicacy of the labor sit
uation. he said. and would not take
advantage OF it.
Calls Race Question Distinct
1T may be added TO avoid possible
Misunderstanding" he continued, that
this question of ightenng out the
existing injustice of racial discrimina-
ton should be considered pendent
" Of the question of labor or immi-
grafton. If any one is afraid that a
stipulation for prohibition of discrim-
mate treatment on account of racial
difference will necessarily bring about
labor difficulties or economic troubles,
that man has singularly overlooked
the actual facts Of international in
tercourse.
THE existing treaty between Japan
and the United States guarantees to
the people Of Japan the right Of freely
entering and residing in this country.
In spite of this my government in
varably clings to the policy of strict
restriction upon emigration OF Japan
csc lutO lllC O1itCN CeotSS " A'J .
The Japanese government and people
understand that the labor question in
America constitutes an exceptional
circumstance which even solemn
treaty cannot stipulate away in a
sweeping manner. While, therefore,
they must not be expected to be con-
tented with the situation, you can de-
pend upon the wise patience of the
Japanese nation, who calmly, though
anxiously, wait the time when by
gradual process Of evolution this diff
ficult matter will be finally cured and
settled to the mutual satisfaction Of
the two countries
"This fixed policy of Japan will,
hope, disarm any alarmistic view
pointing to probability of Japans TAX
ing advantage of the coveted article
in the league constitution against
racial discrimination"
Wars of Domination Ended
He concluded:
"This world war has done away for
ever, let us hope. with the wars Of
domination and oppression, and the
only wars we M. yet have TO fight
in future Will be the wars OF anti
anarchism, Of anti -Bolshevism."
Nh Wckcrsham declared America
could not escape the obligation to
carry out the great tasks which were
cntailed by her participation in the
war. He also voiced his Endorsement
of the league of nations.
"America assumed an equal response
blty with Great Britain, Trance,
Italy and Japan for the corr
sequences OF the victory he
said. "The American President, with
at least the tacit approval Of the Amer
lean people, formulated the terms and
conditions oil the peace which was to
follow our military efforts. These
terms and conditions are impossible Of
performance without the active con
tinued participation Of the American
nation. They involve the establish
mcnt in Europe o, number OF new
nations. composed Of peoples unaccus-
toned 20 scif-eovernment, Jealous OF
their nciThhorg and accustomed l.
strife and al IN 2sitioa. They muat be
led and directed, and made to feel that
behind them, is the organized and com
bincd force tof the great powers"