Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-04-27
G7'TE:MEN1 BY WILSON
THREATENS JAP CLAIMS
Opposition to Italian Demands Taken
US Precedent for Future
Decisions.
BRITISH SUPPORT AMERICA
English Statesmen Find New Zc,.-
iandcrS and Australians Bitterly
Opposed to- Terms OF Secret
Treaty Made With Oricntals.
nY JUSTIN McGRATII.

", WMAsHINGTON, April 2e.-prcsident
WILSON'S decihration of opposition TO
more IMAM a protest. / am inclined 10
think II was also intended TO be "A pre-
ccdcnt by which the United States and
Great Britain will govern their actions
Win respect TO Japan's claims in the
Pacific.
IT has recently developed that Japan.
@,hich she was guaranteed rights in
emma and territory Ia the Pacific isles
In return for her service to the allies
IN destroying German power in the
Far East.
Acting under this secret treat ar
TTanEemcnt. Japan seized the Shantung
OF the Pacific Islands owned by Ger
trolled by Germany in New Guinea
The islands taken by Japan included
the Marianne, or I,adrone, group. ten
or eleven small islands north OF The
United States Island Of Guam: the
Caroline Islands, lying south OF Guam:
of the Caroline Islands, and the Sa
moan group.
Take German Lands.
Before the war Germany owned or
controlled The northeast part OF the
Guiding a large chain Of small islands
extending out from the north side OF
Sew Guinea in the shape of Il hook.
The Blsmarcl, Archipeiago."
Japan's possession of me Ladrone,
Caroline and the Marshall Islands con-
atitu,e distinct menace to United
states power in the Pacific, as these
groups of islands lie directly between
the TWO great possessions u the United
states in the Pacitic-liawaii and the
Philippines.
Inc United s'aes not having been
Japan was guaranteed possession OF
these islands. Of course is not Obliged
to ratify that agreement and probably
~ =
Furthermore, this secrc: agreement
between Great Britain and Japan was
OF the British domiuions, Australia and
New Zealand.
Would Rrpudiate Treaty.
Ever since the existence OF this
secret agreement came 10 the knowl-
casc OF the Austraiians and the New
Zcalanccrs tEcy have been INDIGNANT
over il, and have been making threats
OF reputation so far as they are con
ccrncd.
New Guinea adjolns Australia or the
norm. ~ has q divided sovereignty.
That half OF New Guinea which faces
Asia is controlled by the Dutch. and
the other half. previous 10 the war. was
divided by nc Germans and the Brit
ISM. tho british controlling the south
eastern portion and the Germans the
SOW that the Japanese are occupy
ing the territory formerly controlled
bN VIC Germans they the iinmed!-
ate neg ubprs OF the British in New
TINS proximity, i continued. would not
ruit DE UNPLEASANT hut would menace
BRUSH possession. Ultimately IL might
prove lueHuc 10 Australia.
When WAS In Paris II VAS common
gossip ina, Prcintcr Hughes, OF AUS
tralia. had told Lloyd George that
Australia would never validate" me
British secret agreement, by which
Japan was given possession of ;hc
German rac.nc islands and granted
OCCUPANCY OF German territory IN New
Guinea.
Opposing Immigration.
The Australians and the New Yea
lanhcrs for many years past have been
as much concerned over the question
Of japan Immigration as have the
people OF our own state o! California.
They have passed laws 10 keep the
Japanese laborcr out OF their coun-
tries and these laws have been strictly
enforced
THIS being their attitude, Il can
readily bc understood how wrought
M they would he over the prospect
OF having great section of adjacent
territory. OF highest sirategical value.
surrendered 20 the Japanese.
Statesmen OF Great Britain kecnly
realize the possibility OF trouble