The New York herald., 1921-01-23
MORRIS EXPLAINS
CALIFORNIA ALIEN
EXCLUSION LAWS
Defines Specific Objections
Against Legislation
Raised by Japan.
EXTENSION FEARED
EXTENSION FEARED
Classification of Aliens on
Basis of, Eligibility
Chief Issue.
LAMONT TALKS OF CHINA
Tells University Club Reasons
for China's Friendship
for America.

The relations of the United States
with Japan and China were the sub
tect of addresses made yesterday be-
fore the University Club by Roland S.
Morris, United States Ambassador to
Japan, and Thomas w. Lamont OF
]. p. Morgan & Co.
Without discussing the merits Of the
Japanese question in California Mr..
Morris undertook to define it.
Japanese aliens" he said. resident
in the United States are not eligible to
citizenship, our naturalization laws
having been interpreted as applying
only to white persons or persons OF
African descent. This is in a sense a
discrimination, or perhaps better, q
selection of those whom for one reason
or another we are willing to admit to
the privilege of American citizenship.
But il is clearly not discrimination
of a character which could properly
be the subject of complaint by gov
ernment whose nationals might be ex-
cluded. No Government would con-
slider 1t proper or eypedient 10 protest
because its citizens were not permitted
to expatriate themselves. A friendly
State might regret and deplore such
a policy and even hope that some day
It would be changed. but 1t would un-
doubtedly claim for itself and concede
to other States the inherent right OF a
sovereign State to determine the con-
dltions and limits of naturalization.
The Japanese Position.
"AIay ! ask you therefore TO note
carefully this point: The Japanese Gov
eminent Is not complaining because
Japanese aliens resident in the United
states in ineligible to American citizen
ship.
Nor Is the Government OF Japan
asking for its citizens resident among
us any greater rights than those con-
ceded to other aliens. 1t accepts and
in its own domestic legislation has
often acted upon the principle that any
state has the right to Impose reason
able restrictions upon the property
rights OF foreigners who choose to live
or pursue their occupations within its
borders.
Rights of Admission.
May I ask you therefore to note
in the second place that the Govern
ment of Japan Is not in any way ques-
tioning the right Of our Government 10
pass subject only to its treaty obliga-
tions any legislation il may see ft COW
ering the admission or residence of for
eigners among us. 1t is true that by the
treaty of 1911 japanese were granted
full rights of admission TO and resi-
dence In our country. But this right
was granted only upon the express un-
derstanding that the Japanese Govern
ment would continue voluntarily to linn
IL immigration as provided in the So
called "gentlemen's agreement of 1908.
'In the third place, therefore, may /
ask you to note that the Japanese Gov
ernment and people are not clamoring
for the removal of any Of the present
restrictions on Japanese Immigration.
On the contrary the Government has
shown n Willingness TO examine and cor
rect any OF the defects and abuses of
the existing arrangement
Fear Other Extensions.
What, then. is this much talked of
California issue? OF what does Japan
complain? Let me try to answer those
questions. AS l have already stated,
japanese aliens are ineligible to citizen
ship under the administrative interpreta-
tlon OF our naturalization laws. But per-
sonal and property rights they have
shared equally with other aliens In
1913, however, California devised the
plan of classifying aliens on the basis or
their eligibility TO citizenship. and then
proceeded to deprive those who were in
Aiigible Of certain property rights pre-
viously enjoyed by all aliens. In 1920
this legislation was amplifccd by an In
itiatiye and referendum act. Other
States are now seriously considering sim
liar legislation, and the people of Japan
are fearful lest this method may be used
not only in property rights, but also in
personal rights.
1T is against this method that the
Government and people of Japan are
most vigorously and earnestly protesting.
Then contend that II Is unjust and un-
fair to pick out particular group OF
aliens who are under certain political
disabilities and deprive them or rights
which all other aliens are permitted TO
enjoy. And the Japanese protest pre-
SAINTS 10 all our people this very definite
question: In the larger view OF our rela-
tions with the Orient, Is IL wise thus to
classify aliens on the basis OF their cligi-
billty to citizenship?
'It Is not for me to answer this ques-
tion. The answer must he made by the
American people speaking through the
recognized organs OF their Government.
But IL is important that we should keep
clearly before us just what the issue is
so tha tive may more intollgently deter
mine Il in the light OF the facts and
arguments which are being submitted to
us.
Relations with China.
Mr.. Lamont in discussing relations
with China first referred 10 the cxtraor-
dinsry friendlness the Chinese have for
America. due partly to the fact America
never joined in tho scramble for spheres
of influence in China and partly 70