Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1921-09-17
II. WOULD BAR
DISCUSSION OF
\ IMMIGRATION
Japan's Contention Over
Rights in America Not on
Arms Program.
ISSUE MAY BE RAISED
Special to Indiana Daily Times
and Philadelphia Public Ledger.
BY F. w. VILE.

Special to Indiana Daily Times
and Philadelphia Public Ledger.
BY F. w. VILE.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17.-America
does not consider that the question OF
Japanese immigration to the United
States is a proper subject for discussion
at the ornaments conference. 1t has
developed that the agenda proposals just
submitted by Secretary Hughes to Japan
and other invited powers omits the
thorny question Of japanese rights to
enter American territory on terms of
equality with other nations. 1t evident
" is the view of the State Department
that the question of deciding who may.
or may not, cmigrate to the United
States is not a topic for debate by an
International conference. The omission
of the subject from Secretary Hughes
agenda ggestions-described in official
quarters as things which ought to be
talked about at the conference'-indi-
Gates plsinly that we regard immigration
- strictly domestic concern.
Tt is known in Washington that the
utmost pressure has been brought to
bear on the japanese government to in
sist upon discussion and settlement Of
the immigration issue at the conference.
The militarist element has been fore
are advancing the view that the "open
door" which America proclaims as the
handspring of its Far Eastern policy
cannot be kept open in Asia and
slammed shut in California. The point
is urged that the open door" cannot
honorably be Interpreted to mean only
an unrestricted passage for trade; that
It ought to be construed as compre-
hending the unrestricted movement Of
people, too.
NOT BARRED
FROM AGENDA.
The apparent disincIinauon Of the
American Government to have immigra-
ton discussed at the conference does not
necessarily bar it finally from the
agenda. Secretary Hughes proposals for
IN agenda contemplate counter proposals.
If the japanese now come forward and
suggest that principles and policies
in the Far East might we'll include the
long standing controversy over immigra-
ton, the United States Government
doubtless would express its views on the
subject An outright American refusal
to put immigration on the agenda would
be sure to command the support of Great
Britain. speaking for Australia New
Zealand and Canada. The opposition Of
the British dominions to Japanese i'm
II possible, more pro
yeunced than the objections Of California.
1.-The dominion's prohibitive laws against
immigration are of considerably strictor
nature than anything the United States
enforces
The immigration issue is another name
for the broader issue involved. namely
race equality" Japan raised that issue
at the Paris peace conference, but is I'M
derstoOd to have withdrawn It in ex
change for more valuable concessions.
principally the transfer Of German rights
in Shantung. The best authorities on
japanese affairs always insist that the
right to emigrate to the United States
is not a real contention on the part of
Japan. 1t is said to be a DOGGY raised
from time to time by the Japanese mill
tarists as a means of keeping japanese
patriotism militant by appeals to race
pride and national honor
MAINLAND or ASIA
REAL GOAL OF JAPAN.
While clamoring for race equality" in
California Japanese militarists are
charged really with having their eye
primarily. if not exclusively. on the main
land of Asia. 1t is there the militarists
see Japan's destiny, not on the remote
shores Of Americas Pacific coast.
thus, if history at Paris repeats itself
witness the spectacle of a militarist-
dominated japanese delegation claiming
immigration rights in America but advo-
eating them actually only for trading nur-
poses. It is not improbable Secretary
Hughes looking far ahead and far be
hind, too, had such prospect n mind
when indicating this week that inmizra-
ton, in our estimation does not belong
on the conference program.
Baron Shidehara, japanese ambassador
in Washington, now has initiated series
of conferences with Secretary Hughes on
conference matters. The japanese OifeI
40 China for restoration of Shlutuhg,
translations of which have been issued
by both the japanese embassy and the
Chinese legation, has been officially trans
mitted to the State Department, but is
not being publicly commented Upon.
Your correspondent has authority for
stating that Toxic reports that Japan
viii refuse to discuss Shantung ut the
Washington conference II China rejects
the present offer are, to say the least, pie
mature.
OFFER BASIS
FOR DISCUSSION.
There is also authority for saying that
the Japanese offer is not necessarily To
KIDS last word. The way is open for
Qualifications" If China proposes alter
atoms Japan is ready to consider tb IN
The Japanese offer is described in an
official quarter as merely "a basis for
discussion" Japan's anxiety to remove
the Shantung issue from the realm of
controversy is frankly conceded. She
considers the terms submitted to China
generous" If required to discuss Shan
tung at the Washington conference it
apparently is the belief Of japanese that
the terms now in Pekin's hands will be
considered fair and equitable
Progress IN the direction of settling the
Zap controversy between America and
Japan was described in a high American
quarter as satisfactory and agreeable in
every respect. There now is the best Of
prospects that Zap win be out Of the
way by the time the Washington CON
'serence assembles-Copyright 1921, ty
Public Ledger Company.