The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1921-07-23
JAPAN WILL NOT
STAND AS ACCUSED
Programme at Conference Will
BE to Uphold All Rights
of Empire.

TOXIC July 22.-The proposed Pacific
conference was considered by the
Diplomatic Advisory Council in special
meeting to-day. Viscount Uchida. the
Foreign Minister, reporting the latest
developments in the negotiations with
the United States on the subject.
The present official opinion regarding
the conference was voiced by Prof
Kiroku Hayashi. Councillor of the For
eign Office. who in a statement de-
ciared:
Japan has no cause for uneasiness.
Japan's special position is recognized by
all the Powers and there Is no reason to
think the conference will run counter to
Japan's recognized interests. Japan
must study the American proposal care
fully and respectfully and express her
views fully and frankly"
The preliminary indications give the
Impression that Japan will adopt the
positive role at the conference of the
leading Oriental Power affected.
Among other new suggestions for the
conference attributed to the Cabinet are
prohibition of the opium trade in China,
reduction of the fortfications In the
Philippines. mutual reductions at Guam
and BONN and the extension of the open
door and equal opportunity policy
throughout the world.
According to the newspapers Viscount
Uchida. the Foreign Minister. favors
and expects strong attitude on the
part OF japan at the conference, az 1t
will have grave bearing on the pres
tige and interests of the empire. They
announce that Viscount Uchida. while
expecting deliberations on disarmament,
question which has been pending since
the formation of the League of Nations
has admitted that he had little dreamed
of the proposed Far Eastern conference.
but has promised that the nation will
be protected in such a development.
The newspapers declare that the
United States has explained that its
only desire Is an understanding between
the Powers on principles and policies af-
fecting their mutual interests and that
the conference will have no other signifi-
canoe. Therefore, 1t Is added. from the
broad motive of international peace. the
avoidance OF conflicts OF interests and
the advancement of civilization, Japan
will join the conference.
There is wide range of speculation az
to the nature of Japan's programme.
Some Of il is declared 10 be purely fanci-
full. nut some ~ II Is assorted to be UNI
doubtedly inspired and interpretive OF
the Japanese Governments aim. In the
latter group probably belongs the state
ment that Japan. while seeking general
harmony, will strongly protect what she
considers her interests. with insfstence
that her special position in the Far East
must not be trespassed by other Powers,
and also that Japan will not accept a
programme which would put her In the
position of an accused.
The Asohi quotes an unnamed member
of the Cabinet as saying IL the discus
sion invades those matters already dis
posed Of by treaties and agreements It
IL calculated to disturb and not promote
peace. He added that japan above all
should strive to remove doubts OF her
Intentions. Meanwhile he urged the
people to refrain from excitement. which
would be unworthy OF a great nation.
and calmly and unitedly to back the
Government
Baron Shimpei Goto, Mayor OF Toxic.
has urged all classes to unltedly face
the unprecedented situation" He said,
however, that he thought Japan might
well be compared to an accused. sum
moned before an International court or
ganized by western Powers.
The Fomoto Shiptbun, which is wide
ly read by the masses, insists that the
American invitation to the conference
has in a sense given shock to the Jap
rival In Uwaga Bay.