New-York tribune., 1919-06-05
Ambassador Is Guest of
Japan Society at Fare
we'll Dinner; Will Return
to Toxic This Month
Receives Silver Service
Presented as Token of Es-
TEEN for Efforts in Pro
noting Friendly Relations

Viscount Ishii, Japanese Ambassador
70 the United States. pledged the
friendly relations of the two govern
ments at dinner OF the Japan Society
last night at the Metropolitan Club.
The dinner was a farewell to the
ambassador, who returns to his coun-
try for consultations with the govern
ment this month. A silver service was
presented to him as token of esteem
for his work in fostering cordial rela-
tions between the United States and
Japan
Calls Reports "Malicious'
Japan, according to Viscount Ishii,
is carrying on no propaganda work in
the United States except to deny "ma-
licious and foolish" stories that are
circulated here
at may be that this is due to the
fact that America offers a field of vast
er Importance than elsewhere, or it
may be because it is understood that
field nost favorable for propaganda
purposes" he said
Il MAKE no doubt that Americas in
huence among the nations, her ideals
and her policies, are the things that
most proDagandists have in view. But
should anybody presume upon her
credullty or gulliblity, nothing could
be more insulting to the intelligence
OF the American people. Be that as it
may, Japanese propaganda in this
country is conspicuous only by it's alb
sence.
"Some time since one of the most
influential newspapers in this city pub
hshed Paris dispatch to the effect
that Japan prevented China from en-
terlng the war in 1915 because she ap-
pretended the moral awakening of the
four hundred million people of China.
AS the then Minister of Foreign At
fairs | was personally quoted in the
charge. The matter seemed so utterly
preposterous that | did not deem it
necessary to make a denial. But the
story was widely circulated, some pa
pers even publishing editorials on the
subject.
Il then felt called upon to make
statement. 1t is to effect this very
awakening of the four hundred million
Chinese, l said, that Japan has been
putting forth all efforts for these many
years-sending professors to China
and welcoming Chinese students in
Japan. So far as China remains in a
state of lethargy she is in danger of
her existence and that danger is at
the same time Japan's danger.
Tells of Huan's Plans
But inducing China to participate
IN the war in 1915 was another affair.
which could not in conscience indorse
China was then passing through a
most critical period. Huan Shih Kai.
President of the young Republic, who
was iltly called the Huerta of China.
had just started his monarchical move
ment and sought to nip China's new
born liberty in the bud by assuming
the title of Emperor.
THE whole country was then on the
verge of revolution and anarchy. China
was utterly destitute of arms and am
munition. What could we expect from
her in such a condition?
The military value to the entente of
the proposed Chinese participation was
almost nil, while the mere fact of a
declaration Of war by China would
have immensely added to the excite
ment of the people, and rendered con-
fusion worse confounded throughout
the whole country. The greatest suf-
ferer from such condition in China
the enlightened sentiments of the
would be, next after China herself, her
neighbor Japan"