The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1920-03-05
JAPANESE ADMIRAL HOPES FOR
.AMICABLE RELATIONS BETWEEN
HIS NATION and UNITED STATES
Believes People of Two Countries Should Study
Each Other and in That Way Become Better
Acquainted With National Aspirations, Which
He Says, Will Never Lead to War

Americas naval force in the Pacific IN
almost the most powerful in these
seas. For these reasons, the economic
and military interests of the two cotin-
tries in the Pacific appear to be more
| or less complicated; and a false con-.
ception might argue the probability OF
increasing entanglements
But if we care to study the economic
tuation in all its aspects. we viii find
that far more can be gained by both
countries from a harmonious commun-
lty of interest than could be won by
conflict. A most important considera-
tion is that Japan in no way en-
croaches upon any particular, national,
or vital interests of the United States.
Surely. there should not arise any
necessity ON the part of the United
states to prevent Japan from securing
food and raw materials which are of
particular, national and vital interest
to the life of Japan
There is another aspect also. CIV
ilization is ADVANCING In the near fu-
ture the league of nations will be "A
factor; and as time advanced forces
calculated 10 harmonize conflictin.
interests viii become more effective.
In Japan, sense of righteousness and
justice always prevails. The Japanese
are not war-loving people; they will
never fight unless in a righteous
cause; and our armaments, / repeat.
are designed solely for defense. | have
realized the spirit which rules in the
United States since the formation Of
the Union I believe / comprehend the
noble principles for which the United
! States stand. During the past twenty
years on FREQUENT visits to the United
states, / have studied the history and
character of the people of that coun-
try very closely. As a result Of the
courtesy of many good friends with
whom | could speak without reserve
have had excellent opportunities To
grasp the national characteristics by
close touch with many Americans of
varied circles and classes Through
these experiences and through general
observation I have reached the conf
dent belief that although the bearing,
conduct, and comment of some Amer
leans in certain sections might stir
an unkindly sentiment. these after all
are only temporary phenomena There
are also some people in Japan engaged
in stirring up hostile sentiment A
few politicians or even one class of
people. cannot be sufficiently power
ful to direct a national antagonistic
policy in both countries. Through a
mutual spirit of tolerance and with a
certain patience, therefore conflicting
interests can with equity and fairness
be adjusted amicably around the ia
BILE of friendly conference.
Turning to a consideration of the
naval situation. the United states has
a very strong fleet in the Pacific and
| is strengthening her naval bases on
/ the Pacific coast and In the Hawaiian
islands. These are questions of the
national defense for the United States
and, of course, no foreigner has the
right to attempt to influence such a
| policy. The newspapers report some
times the establishment of naval bases
in her territories in the far east by
| the United States. This. too is a mat
| ter to be determined by the United
States alone. / do not believe the
japanese people as a nation can be
made to think the peace loving Unit
ed States. the initiator of the league
of nations. will in this day ap-
prove or odopt without reason
the policy which in days gone by
prompted the aggressive powers to es-
| tablish similar powerful and strategic
bases at Port Arthur or in Tsingtau.
This conviction is rather strengthened
when we reflect that a century ago.
the United States, while not yet so
powerful as she is today, denied the
right of European powers to establish
naval bases in the Caribbean sea or
on the American continent.
AS to the former German Pacific
Islands, the principle of governing
them by the manufactures of the league
of nations has been adopted The
peace conference at Paris has decided
that the empire of Japan is the man
datory for the former Pacific islands
north Of the equator, while the Brit
ish empire is the mandatory for those
lying south of the equator. But non
military policy embodied in this form
of governing ex-enemy territories, pre-
vents the establishment of naval bases
or Notifications on these islands. Here,
therefore. appears 10 have been estab-
lished the precedent of disarmament"
This development is to be welcomed
as beginning of a general restriction
or reduction of arn1aments.
I am recomm ending my countrymen
to study seriously and to understand
thoroughly the United States and its
people before they hasten to pass crit
Hicisms upon them. / wish earnestly
TO find more and more Americans i'm
partially studying Japan and the Jap
anese.
It gives me much qualification to
have thus an opportunity to express
my frank views TO the readers of The
independent: and. may / say in con-
cIusion, it is my cherished wish to be
an instrument when the chance offers.
n promoting good neighborliness and
arnnity between the peoples of our
two 0ountries through an honest ex
change Of their views. thereby facfli-
tating mutual good understanding.