The sun., 1919-04-14
POWERS ARE WORRIED
Nippon Delegates Exhibit
kilograms Ordering Re-
turn if They Fail.
WILSON IS CRITICISED
European Delegates Assert He
Failed to Face Realities
at the Outset.
by LAURENCE HILLS.
StoG Correspondent of THE sun

! by LAURENCE HILLS. =
Sto6 Correspondent of THE sun
Copyright, 1919; all rights reserued
PARIS, April 13.-Japanese ques-
tions continued to-day to be the SUBJ
iect Of absorbing interest in Ameri-
can and other circles. The feature
of the situation seems to be uncer-
tainty as to the effect the extraordi-
nary explanatory statement issued
yesterday Is to have on the future re-
lations of Japan and the other ma
tions, including the United States.
President Wilson did not issue a
personal statement, which was under
consideration at one time, but per-
sonally supervised the explanation
given out, which had been read to
Baron Maxine. The plan thus to mol
lify the injured feelings of the Japa-
nese seems to have originated in
American circles, although 1t had the
backing of Premier Lloyd George.
While few other nations raised any
objections, the chief obstruction came
from the British delegates, who re-
fused all attempts to get anything in
serted.
situation Admittedly Delicate.
The extreme dellcacy Of the sit
uation Is emphasized clearly in the
extraordinary statement, issued viY-
tually in the name Of the commission.
That the Americans are keenly inter
ested in the effects 1t will have ID
shown by the comment heard to-day.
The two features of the situation
which are arousng interest are:
l. Japan by refusing unanimity
at the plenary session can spoil
the entire programme by which the
covenant OF the league would no
inserted in the peace treaty as the
unanimous will of the allied ana
associated nations treating with
Germany.
.. BY refusing assent to Tho
league Japan can compel the sepa-
ration Of the league from the
treaty, leaving the former as an in
dependent instrument. to be formed
by those nations which gave their
assent to 1t after the covenant hHd
been rewritten, leaving Japan out
OF the council.
Impressed by Maxine.
President Wilson is represented as
having been tremendously impressed
by Baron Makino's speech. In which
he sOlemnly disavowed any intention
by Japan to use 1t to cause trouble in
the immigration matter, which. he
said, Japan recognized as n domestic
matter under the reservation made In
the revised covenant. Although pro-
Tossing to believe that Japan will not
refuse to sign the agreement. the
Americans plainly are more concerned
about this than about any other mat
ter now affecting the league.
The failure to include the racial
equality clause in the covenant will
have important effects on Anglo
japanese relations. The japanese
had reduced their demand until il CON
sisted only Of n few phrases in the
! preamble, although these would have
committed the nations 10 the equality
idea. This required unanimity, and
through the objection of Great Brit
ain II failed.
The United States was placed in IN
embarrassing position by this situa
tion and was saved only by the action
of Great Britain in coming forward
and Offering TO he the sole obiector.
In some ways the British had more
at stake than the Americans. Not
only were they faced by the deter-
mined attitude Of the Australians, but
the equality clause would have recoE
r nized the right of the Indians to he
admitted 10 South Africa.
With the Far Eastern question
not settled it is impossible as yet Ia
determine whether Japan Is to get
some compensation for her defeat,
which the Japanese here still insist
,, will be resented in Toxic and is likely
, to result in the overthrow of the Gov.
r ernment.
Must Face PIenRry session.
Under n decision reached by the
league committee the text OF the re-.
= vised covenant will not be published
, until It has been laid before the full
I conference. II rlcnary session is 10
be held. That there is no way OF
: avoiding it's submission TO the plenary
- session. in view OF the reservations
made by Japan and France is gener.