The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-08-15
DEPENDS ON China
That Is Japan's Stand on Re-
turn of Shantung, Kiao-Chau.
Chinese Attitude VIII Decide
Time of observation-disclosures
DESIRE SPEEDY SETTLEMENT
Uneasy Over Anti-Japanese
Feeling in America.
Nation Making Effort To Curb
Militarists' Power.
DESIRE SPEEDY SETTLEMENT
CRx the Associated .prssa.,

TOXIC. Aug. 12.-Restitution of
Shantung and also Kiao- Chau to China
by Japan will be made without un-
necessary delay, but the time required
will be dependent upon the attitude
of China, said Takashi Hara, Japanese
premier, today in answer to a ques-
ton as to when actual restoration of
Shantung would take place. The pre-
mier in answering the query of the
Associated Press made the following
statement:
my colleague, viscount Uchida,
minister of foreign affairs, issued a
statement on August 2 in explanation
Of our policy respecting the Shantung
question. That statement represents
the considered opinion of this govern
ment and I have little to add in deal
ing with the same subject"
discount Uchida In his statement which
was referred to by the premier said that
Japan was willing to restore Shantung to
China and would enter negotiations with
after the Versailles treaty should be rati-
fled by Japan-)
Will Speed Settlement.
1.-The question is often asked as to
when Japan will return Kiao-Chau to
China. I would point out in reply that
for the restitution OF Kiao-Chau. de-
tailed arrangements should be worked
out beforehand in common accord be-
fore the Japanese and Chinese gov
ernments and that the length OF time
required for such arrangements de-
ponds largely upon the attitude of
China. In any case, we fully realize
that it is as much in our own inter-
ests as in the interests of China to &C
celerate the conclusion of all needed
arrangements and TO effect without
unnecessary delay the restitution of
leased territory which we have SOL
EMMY undertaken"
Premier Hara and high officials of
the Japanese government discussed
frankly with the correspondent what
was called the wave of "anti-Japanese
ly disturbed by reliable reports re-
ceived here showing uneasiness as to
Japan's attitude relative to Shantung
as one cause for the sentiment OF dis
content among the friends of Japan
but felt Japan's repeated assurances
as to restitution, with the premier
statement to the Associated Press to-
day, should clear the air and prevent
any deplorable misunderstanding.
Are Curbing Militarists.
It IS frankly admitted here that
Japan's so-called militarism is re-
sponsible for much uneasiness abroad.
The Japanese insist there is a distinct
movement under way to curb any ek-
cess influence held by the militarists
which might be calculated to be harm
full to the legitimate development OF
the nation and ininicaI to Japan's re-
lations with America.
Japanese liberals are deeply inter-
ested in an article written from Amer
lea by DR.. Inaso Nitobe, of the I'm
perial University of Japan, to the
Japan magazine in which he enumer-
ated the causes he has found to be
responsible for the anti-Japanese feel
ing in America, and also pointing out
the danger Of Japanese militarism
The cause of sentiment adverse to
japan are given by Doctor Nitobe as
follows:
Chinese anger against Japan.
Korean hostility.
Anti-Japanese feeling in California.
Anti-Japanese propaganda by British
Party tactics by opponents Of Presi-
dent Wilson.
German propaganda.
The idea that Japanese militarisr
| is a menace to democracy.
Army Has Copied Germany.
| In celebrating the last named point
| Doctor Nitobe said:
THE nailitarists of my country are
not only unable to appreciate the
spiritual meaning taught by the greai
war but are, so to speak, unconsciou!
traitors to the empire. Regardless Of
| the greath truth that the warrior!
sword sooner or later will put coun-
| try in peril they have copied every
thing German; with the result thai
my country is Isolated. I do not near
to disparage the army and navy but
I would not tolerate for a moment
their interference in politics and d.
plomacy."
In addition to the Shantung Ques-
ton negotiations concerning the en-
counters at Tien-Tsin between Japan
ese and Americans and Japan's en-
trance into the consertium by which
the United States, Great Britain, France
and Japan are to play dominant
part in Chinese finances remain uIl-
settled. Here again the Japanese con-
tend that II the questions are examined
impartialIy their attitudes would be
accepted as justified.
Press Attacks Uchida's Remarks
Newspapers. which are re-appearing
after the recent shut down due to the
printers strike, attack the statement
made by Viscount Uchida on August 2,
as an abandonment of an exclusive
Japanese settlement of the Kiao-
Chau matter and the substitution of
an international agreement. They say
that It indicates a weakness on the
part of Japanese diplomacy and claim
the rights won by the sacrifices OF the
army at Tsing-Tao should be tenaci-
ously held.