Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-11-22
More Japanese Reservations

I T is unfortunate for japan that because
of past performances, her present states
manship does not always inspire immediate
confidence; that her policies of other days
tend always to arouse distrust in her poll
ces of today, and other peoples have come
naturally to assume guilt until innocence
is proven wherever Japan is concerned
Because Of these facts Americans are
inclined to look with some suspicion upon
the apparently insignificant reservations laid
down by Admiral Baron kato in his address
TO the Far Eastern committee OF the Wash
mgton conference regarding the future and
the aspirations of China. The general bur-
den OF the admiral's statement reflected
generosity, good feeling and good faith, He
was anxious to see peace and unity re-
established in China. He hoped for tho
friendliest relations between the two coun-
tries. He repudiated any purpose of terri
tori"i ACKNOWLEDGMENT at the expense OF
China. He wanted no special privileges or
rights in that country. He came to America
TO advance no selfish interests
All this seemed fine and magnanimous.
1t seemed, upon its face, to cover virtually
every issue which China had raised in her
zen points 1t appeared to indorse the
opcn-door' policy and to meet the views
OF all other governments, America included
which have stood for the complete SOW
eraignty of the Chinese nation and for a
restoration to that nation OF all its rights
and all its territory.
1T is pity, therefore, that Admiral Lato
speaking Tor the Japanese empire, did not
conclude at that point. Although he had
spoken in CONGRATULATIONS. he had spoken
with evident sincerity and had reassu red
the conference committee in what seemed
genuine and manly way, Of his govern
mehts disinterestedncss toward China and
us disposition to deal fairly with an on
pressed people
But the Japanese statesman went fur
tier. He added this: with regard to
me question of eXtra-territoriality which
is perhaps one OF the most important uues-
tlohs proposed by the Chinese delegation
IL IS our intention to join with other dele
CATIONS in the endeavor to come to an ar
rangement in manner fair and satisfac-
tory TO all parties"
Nor was that all. After leaving this vital
issue unsettled. the admiral concluded his
declaration OF policy with the suggestion
That while he and his associates were ready
TO explain or discuss any problem which Gin
INC wisdom OF the conference is taken IN
we should regret undue protraction of the
discussions by detailed examination OF in
Vulnerable minor matters'
what the Japanese delegation means nv
minor matters was not explained II
these matters include the secret treaties ANA
agreements which China asked the confer
ehce TO lay upon the table, they are scarce
~ TO be regarded as minor in their char
acter If they include what the JAPANESE.
III accepting the Presidents invitation to
participate in the conference, referred to
as consummated propositions, they are far
from minor in their character
AS long as the Japanese government in
sists upon such reservations, mental or
otherwise in its attitude towards the prob
lens OF the conference, it will invite the dis
trust or both America and China. There
can be no escape from this, and such policy
must DE deplored by all interests here and
elsewhere friendly TO Japan.