The New York herald., 1921-03-07
GUAM LINE FOR U. S.
Disposition of Wires Up to
Action OF the Interna-
tiOnal Conference.
AMERICAN STAND SCORED
Nipponese Papers Generally
Assail Protest-M0ve for
Disarmament Growing.
BY the Associated Press.


TOXIC, March (delayed) Japan
will not yield an inch on the question of
her mandatorial rights on the Island Of
zap. an official of the Japanese Foreign
Office told the Associated Press to-day
when asked for statement concerning
the present status OF the controversy.
She may, however, make some conces-
sions concerning disposition of the Yap
cable station, he added.
The present declaration of Viscount
Ishii. this official continued. was made
upon his own initiative, but represents.
on the whole, the attitude which the
Japanese Government finally will take
with regard to the entire zap question.
The disposition of the cables, he as
serted, Is a matter for settlement by
the International Conference on Com
munications (Which meets IN Washing
tom. but Japan may make concessions
concerning the Guam line to the extent
of handing over to America the Guam
end. Japan. however, would continue
to hold the Zap end by virtue of her
sovereignty over the island. granted by
the Allied Supreme Council and ratified
by the League of Nations. Prima facie
title to the cable was obtained by Japan
during the war. he maintained, when
Japan cut the Yap-Guam cable.
Asked concerning Japans attitude
toward the conference between the
United States, Great Britain and
Japan on disarmament. the official
replied that japan was not in position
to speak definitely until such an invita-
tion actually had been received. "Of
course, If America and Great Britain
naturally would attend such confer
ence as has been suggested" he said.
The newspapers continue to print edi-
torial comment on the refusal of the
United States to accept Japan as the
mandatory for the Island of Yap
The Yorodsu asails the United States
for seeking to ''repudiate decisions of the
League of Nations, of which 1t is not a
member" by basing its claims on state
ments of President Wilson, which the
newspaper asserts are not corroborated
by the records.
The Asdhi Shimbtut dwells on the "au-
dacious attitude of the United States,
which country, 1t declares long has been
anxious for possession of the Island of
zap.
The Kokuntin Shin.bm, says. "lf
Japan offers an inch America will try to
take a yard. Japan's spirit of compro-
mise will only serve to stiffen the Ameri-
can attitude on the mandate question"
Commenting on a reported project by
the United States to increase the fortiti-
cations of Guam, the Nich4 Nichi thinks
this will be a serious blow to Japanese
defence, and cannot but impress Japa-
nese sentiment as a challenge by "A coun-
try which Is foremost in attacking the
Japanese as being mlitaristic.'
The Jifi Shimpo says, with regard to
the recent rejection by the japanese
House OF Representatives of the resolu-
ton OF Yukio Ozaki for a curtailment In
naval armament that 1t has caused the
misunderstanding abroad that Japan
still advocates naval expansion. The
newspaper asserts that all the influen-
tial newspapers Of Japan and a majority
of the intelligent classes recognize the
necessity for reduction in armament.
"The people Of Japan" says the news
paper "wll surely welcome any arma-
ment restriction proposal
At meetings of business men similar
TO those held in other places II was de-
cided to-day to send a cable despatch
10 President Harding and United States
Senator Borah urging them to use their
Influence for restriction in armament
and also TO request the Japanese Diet TO
apply a part of the appropriation for
educational and social Improvement.
Banji Muto, chairman of the principal
meeting here to-day, said: AT time
when all business is seriously depressed
II would be the height Of imprudence to
advocate an armed peace and put the
nation under the screw of useless COM
petition"