Evening star., 1921-04-12
Delicacy of Disputed Pacific
Problems Declared to Urge
Understanding.
HUGHES NOTE IMPRESSES
NECESSITY FOR SOLUTION
Empires Political Situation Adds
to Anxiety Over International
Aspect and Demands I'm
provement.
By the Associated Press.

IOhIO. April 1l.-Plans for send
ing to Washington a distinguished
japanese. who would take up the en-
tire range of the so-called Pacific
problems. including mandates, Cali
fornia- China. Siberia, immigration
and armaments. are understood to be
in the process of formulation by the
Japenese government.
Official announcement of the in
tention of this country to send such
delegate. who would act in a ca
pacity similar to that of former Pre-
mier Viviani Of France. who is at
present in the United States. has not
as yet been made, but it is said that
the subject is receiving serious at
tention.
The note from Charles E. Hughes,
American Secretary of State. to the
allies. declaring America does not
abandon her rights in the peace set
tlement. especially concerning Ger
man overseas possessions. not only
created a profound impression in
Japan. but has served in addition to
crystalline the conviction that the
time has arrived to bring about a
Japan and America before the rela-
tions of those countries reach a crit
ical stage.
"ImDortant" Comment on Note.
Authorities at the Japanese foreign
Office confine themselves to a state
ment to the Associated Press that the
Hughes note fs so important that
sideration from the Japanese govern
ment. which is anxious to do every
thing possible to establish friendly
cooperation with the new admins
tration in Washington"
1t is learned from other influential
sources that the opinion prevails
among prominent Japanese. especially
those familiar with the United States.
that the general situation has gone so
far that 1t requires heroic treatment
to prevent the two nations from furth-
er drifting apart. There is. therefore,
an inclination to permit the problem
involved in the disposition of the Is
land OF zap to sink into comparative
all the questions centering about the
Pacific regarding which Japan and
America have serious differences.
Internal Situation Disturbing.
The plan to send representative
OF the Japanese government to WASH
ington is not unconnected with the
internal situation in this country. 1t
is understood an influential group is
insisting that Japanese foreign policies
be remodeled with the particular view
to securing settlement of Pacific
problems, and a general understand
ing, permanent in nature, with Amer
lea. The basis of this understanding =
would be friendly cooperation
Attainment of this program may
involve a change in the Japanese
ministry. Maj. Gen. Giiuchi Tanaka.
minister of war, has already placed
his resignation in the hands Of Pre-
mier Hara.
1t is apparent the political situa-
tion in Japan is complicated by diff
ferences over purely internal ques-
the betrothal of the crown prince,
which came to light recently, and
which seems not to have been set
tied in some important aspects.
Everything here. however. tends to
show that the highest circles of the
empire are concentrating their atten-
tion on relations with America, which -
responsible Japanese openly declare
must be improved
Declare Japan Embarrassed.
Leading newspapers, in their COM
Ment on the Hughes note. declare it is
There are two ways Of preventing
ing position. as the allies may find
difficulty in supporting Japan's claims
in the face of insistence upon Ameri-
can demands from Washington.
The Yomi-Uri Shimbun of this city,
which is many times apparently in
spired, in commenting on interna-
tional questions. emphasizes the deli
cate nature of the problems discussed
by the Hughes note. 1t expresses the
opinion that the question of mandates
Is certain to cause an increase OF
both in Japan and in
until it becomes a matter
Of more intense interest than either
the California or Shantung problems"
1T may" the newspaper continues.
"force Japan and America to take
blind action"
There are two ways of preventing
a possible collision" the article goes
on. First, to minimize the Yap prob
lem as a technical matter regarding
and settle it by mu-
tual concessions. Second. to magnify
it SO that 1t will represent the Pacific
their entirety, and attempt to se-
cure. at once, the solution Of all of
them."
Naval Program Contenti0ns.
The Teikoku News Agency quotes
Sakamoto. q member of the
house of peers. as saying that re-
cent statements bv Minister of Ma
rine Kato. IN which he said he would :.
not insist upon the carrying out OF !.
The present japanese naval program. .
came at highly opportune time, =
when the world regards Japan with
suspicion"
1T may be feared" Admiral Saka-
motto is said to have declared, that
he declaration. which was in the
nature of a pledge to the powers,
nay restrict Japan's freedom of ac-
ion in case America should propose
Of ornaments"
The admiral, however, is asserted
10 have expressed conviction that
he minister of marine did not mean !.
20 approve Of indiscriminate reduc-
ions of armament, but to have added
Japan must enter into a curtailment
agreement In her own interests, for
The naval race will be won by the
wealthiest nation-America"
1