New-York tribune., 1919-10-15
Japanese Policy
Attached by Lodge
Sha,,t1ng amendment Is
Defended by Senator
From Massachusetts

WASHINGTON. Oct. IA. - Speaking
before the Senate to-day in behalf Of
the Shantung amendment to the peace
treaty. Senator Lodge made vigorous
attack upon Japan's policy in the Far
East.
"The principal argument made By
those who sustain the delivery of the
control of Shantung to japan under
this treaty Of peace with Germany is
that Japan has promised at different
times to return it to China" said Mr..
Lodge. "Whatever promises she may
have made, whether verbal or written,
we're all marked by one vital omission.
In no instance do | find that Japan
ever fixed time when she would act
ually return the province to its right
full owners. Even in the promises she
made there are reservations which
Kiao-chau and economic control of the
province. To determine, therefore,
what Japan is likely to do it is neces-
sary to consider what she has
done during the past twenty
years. If we find in the history
Of that period that Japan has
consistently advanced in her control of
China, has constantly invaded Chinese
rights and taken over Chinese terri
tory, it seems to me absolute proof
that this well-defined policy will he
continued in Shantung as it has been
so successfully followed everywhere
else. For this reason / desire to sketch
very briefly the course of Japanese
policy in China"
Reviews Japanese Wars
Senator Lodge then took up the his
tory of Japan's successful wars with
China and Russia, pointing out that
both conflicts had greatly extended
mainland of Asia. He analyzed the
steps leading up to the annexation of
Corea by Japan, accusing the Japanese
government of pursuing u devious
policy"
Senator Lodge discussed the acqui-
sition of Kiao-chau from Germany by
Japan. He accused the Japanese of un-
necessary violation of Chinese neutral
ity in the military organization about
Kiao- chau. Discussing Japanese policy
in the captured town Of Tsingtau, he
said
Cur government has in its files evi-
dence of high-handed action on the part
OF the Japanese authorities against
Americans and American establish
ments, far surprising any pressure
brought to bear upon them at any
/ time"
Japan's Demands on China
The Senator mentioned the twenty
one demands presented by Japan to
China during the war and asserted that
Japan was responsible for keeping
China out of the war until after
America had entered the conflict, and
referred to the unofficial assurance
given China by the American minister
that America would support her claims
for the recovery of Shantung at the
peace conference.
"When America broke off official re-
lations with Germany, February, 1917,
she invited neutrals to sever diplomatic
relations with Germany" said Mr.
Lodge. "In Peking the American Min
ister reached prompt decision with
China. Great Britain, France, Russia
and Italy, while apparently favorably
impressed by the suggestion, did not
urge it strongly. The Japdnese Min
ister in private interview with the
President said that China would run q
great risk by joining America, mas
much as the action Of the United States
probably would not be effective in the
war, and that while that country hae
frequently expressed her sympathy
with China she had really done little
for her. 1t was very doubtful whether
the Allies could defeat Germany. Il
was much safer for China to rely upor
Japan, since there would doubtless be
harmonious action between Japan and
China in the war, and japan coult
then protect China. The minister also
presented the same argument to China:
Prime Minister. Under the clrcum,
stance the Chinese government hest
tated until the American Minister, II
reply to questions Of the Chinese
stated that while he had no Official in
structions on account Of the cables be
ing out of order he would assume the
sponsbility of saying that, in his
Judgment, assistance would be given K
the Chinese to recover Shantung at tn,
peace conference
"On the basis of that assurance
China, over the protest Of Japan, ac
cepted Americas invitation and severed
diplomatic relations. The Unitet
States government never repudiatet
the action of our minister, and Chin;
later entered the war believing tina
She was promised Americas support a
the peace confcrence'
Senator Lodge mentioned the secre
treaties by which England, France
Russia and Italy recognized Japan
claim to the Shantung peninsula an,