Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1921-08-11
The ,Jabanese Attitude
THE question of Japans entering the
disarmament conference presents one

THE question of Japan's entering the
disarmament conference presents one
aspect which, though generally over
looked or minimiZed, appears closer
thought to be of basic Importance
The reluctance of the powers that be at
Tokyo to submit problems Of the far PACING
to international discussion is not surprising
in view Of Japans peculiar position. War
rantably or not, she has assumed in that
region an attitude similar to that of the
United States in this hemisphere; and our
own Senate, it will be remembered, was in
sistent that the Monroe Doctrine should be
subject to no modification, nor indeed to any
sort of debate, at the Versailles peace parleys
Moreover, it is natural that Japan, virtually
isoalted as she is, should move with exceed
ing caution in all affairs of diplomacy. Her
so-called alliance with Great Britain has
ever been more formal than VITAL and now
even it's formal continuance is in doubt the
Dominions berg obviously against it. The
others at the disarmament conference will
have the advantage of her in point of tradi-
tional associations and friendships. 1t is
little more than half century since Japan
entered the company of nations, and her
marvellous growth in power during that brief
span of years has inspired much admiration,
and no little envy, but not great deal OF
good will. Is it to be wondered, then, that
her leaders are wary when invited to discuss
their nations most intimate and vital inter-
ests with Powers like America, Britain
France and Italy, all Occidental in their Gu
ture and outlook?
But while these factors in Japan's hest
tanty are outward and can be easily disposed
= by frank, fair dealing on the part of the
nations, there is an inward ana quite differ
ent sort of circumst nee that tends to hold
her back. "DiEarmament,' writes thought
full observer "means the inevitable transfer
of power from the aristocratic clans whose
influence and prestige are connected with the
Japanese army and navy to the rising groups
of industrial leaders, and fnanciers" 70
these clans the mass of the Japanese people
have paid the homage and tribute which are
paid by most peopes at one stage or another
of their history to selt-constituted superiors,
but which IN time inevitably give way, if
there is national soul, to human revolt and
since common men N Japan knelt when a
noble passed by, and since ninety-fve per cent
of the population was in feudal letters. But
the forces that have made for material prog
have made aso for emancipation. The
tax burden for vast ornaments weighs as
heavily on the commonalty of Japan on
that of other lands, and there, as everywhere,
the spirit CT militarism and the spirit of
democracy are opposed.
Do not these conditins give the question of
Japan's part in the disarmament conference
an aspect to which all peaVe-loving and lib
erty-loving nations should take heed? Does
1t not behoove America to do what she
reasonably can to disarm such suspicion as
tie Japanese people themselves may enter
tain and thereby win them to the side OF
peaceable democracy?