Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1921-04-08
AMERICAN RIGHTS ASSERTED.

The correspondence which Secretary Hughes has
carried on with the allied governments of Europe is a
continuation of that which was instituted by Secretary
Colby, his predecessor under the last administration. An
inspection of the letters written by the two secretaries of
state reveals absolutely no divergence of opinion between
them on the character of American rights in relation to
territories whose future is now under consideration, and
no difference as to the determination OF this government
to assert and maintain those rights.
The situation seems so clear, viewed from this side
of the ocean that it seems inconceivabi BILE that a difference
Of opinion could arise. The United States entered the
great war as a full partner of its European and Asiatic
associates. 1t contributed its full share to the defeat
Of the central empires. Having done SO, it is very mani
fest that this country has rights with reference to the dis
position of the territories of which it's enemies were dis
possessed; rights which can not be affected by any agree
ments made among themselves by the other members of
the allied group.
The present correspondence relates Particularly to
the disposition of the island OF zap, an infinitesmal bit
of rock out in the center of the Pacific ocean. The island
is important chiefly as a cable station, and potentially
as a calling and coaling place for ships. That island
was formerly the property of the German empire. Ger
many was dispossessed by the joint effort of the United
States and the European. allies. The latter powers have
undertaken to transfer the control of this island to ia
pan. The consent of the United States has not been
asked or received. By this transfer cable rights which
the United States enjoyed during the period of German
control, will be entirely obiterated, if the conditions
agreed upon are carried into effect.
1t is uncomfortable that the United States should
concur in a decision which will leave it in a less advan-
tagcous position than it occupied before the war in which
it was one of the victors. This country has asked moth
ing in the way Of advantage for itself as a result of the
war, but it is clear that it cannot accept conditions which
will certainly operate to its injury and which may in
conceivable circumstances. be a menace to its security.
If the United States had been a member of the League
Of Nations, it would have been doubtless in a more adj
vantageous position to influence decisions such as this
affecting the island. Being a participant in the work
of the league counsel, it could have made known prompt
ly and effectively its determination not to accept any such
disposition of the island: but the fact that the United
States is not a member of the league, and has not par
ticipated in the work of the counsel, in no way affects
it's rights as a sovereign entity and a member of the great
family Of nations. The transfer of the island to Japan
under the circumstances is unacceptable to the United
States, and that fact has been. clearly made known. There
must be no recession from the position taken, and it must
..he definitely understood that QUE government will insist
at all times on its entire freedom of action, unaffected
by anything that is done by a body OF which it is not a
member and in whose decisions it is not in a position to
participate.