New-York tribune., 1919-04-02
Ambassador Asks Japanese
Envoy for Information
on Reported Negotiations
in Lower California
Agitation Called Politics
Senator Phelan's Action in
Stirring Up Agitation Is
Questioned in Washington
Neau York Tribune
WGShiu0tOn Tul-C1lt

Nc,U York Tribune
Washington Turcdu
WASHINGTON, April 1.-The Jap
anese Embassy cabled to the Japanese
Legation at Mexico City to-day re-
quest that it inform the embassy upon
the reported negotiations between Jap
anese subjects or companies and the
Mexican government concerning the
purchase or lease of Mexican lands
for agricultural purposes.
1t was stated in both American and
Japanese official quarters to-day that
the Japanese government itself is not
interested in any actual or possibly
contemplated efforts by Japanese pri-
vate individuals to obtain lands in
Mexico, and further that there is no
desire or intention on the part of the
Tokyo authorities either to test the
Lodge resolution or to countcnance
any movements which is not wholly
legitimate and universally recognized
TO be SUCH
Agitation Called Political
The impression is gaining hcadway
in Washington that the Japcncsc qucs-
ton is being raised for purely political
purposes, and that if it is carried much
further the national sensibiities of the
Japanese might be ncedlessly hurt In
quiry in authoritative circles disclosed
that several Japanese merchants.
neither representing nor backed by any
Japanese syndicate and without any of
fetal sponsoring, opened negotiations
about two years ago with the Los
Angeles Company, not for the purchase
but the leasing of $4,000 acres of lands
owned by that company in Lower Cali
forna. The negotiations fell through
and were not renewed by the Japencse
merchants. The lands we're to be de-
vcloped agriculturally.
1t is not known here whether it is
the same Japanese parties that are
negotiating with the Mexican Ministry
of Development and Agriculture, but
It is known that this government has
been advised for some months past OF
possibility of Japanese interests &C
quiring land in Mexico for purely
agricultural and commercial uses, but
up to the present moment has not
discovered anything in the negotiations
or plan Of the Japanese which suggests
a likely diplomatic development.
May Affect Peace Farley
There is a disposition in important
official quarters to doubt the wisdom
of the actions of Senator James d.
Phelan, of California, in stirring up
anti-Japanese agitation, and the belief
was expressed to-day that he has been
prompted by political motives, as he
stands for reelection next year. No
facts known to the authorities of this
government, it was learned, justify the
sensational publicity given to the re-
ported Japanese project in Mexico.
Agitating against Japan in the alb
sence of any justiable cause, and es
pecially at the present time, was de-
clared to be unwisc because of the pos
siblity that such an agitation might
find an echo in the peace conference at
Paris, where Japan ranks as great
power, and as such might be expected
to resent the anti-Japanese campaign
in the United States, the more so that
it is led by a United States Senator.
1t is known that the Japanese attach
significance to this fact.
Another danger seen In the anti
Japanese movement is its possible ef
feet upon the efforts Of the United
States to befriend China, both at Paris
and after the conclusion of the peace
conference. Japan, it was pointed out
by student of international affairs,
may be expected, as concerns China, to
initiate the policy of the United States
in regard to Latin America, and even
more particularly Mexico.
The Ishii-Lansing agreement. he con-
tinucd, recognizes sort of Japanese
Monroe Doctrine, and if the attitude
of this country should become I'M
friendly toward fair Japanese compcti-
tion in Latin America generally or
Mexico particularly, Japan would be
enabled to invent reasons why the
United States should be excluded from
similar undertakings in China, or from
any activities in China which might
have the effect. as in the case of rail
road building or mine developing, of
giving to America virtual control Of