Evening star., 1934-01-23
Text of HirOta's Speech
japanese Foreign Minister Informs Diet There Is
no Problem With u. S. Intrnsicdlty
Difficult of Solution.

so that no difficult question was en-
countered
However, more recently the attitude
of the Soviet Union toward Japan
seems to have undergone a change Of
some sort 1t is most surprising and
regrettable that the Soviet Union
should now take to broadcasting at
home and abroad, through the press
and other channels, unWarranted criti-
cisns directed against Japan. and cir
culate exaggerated stories about aggra-
vationS or this or that situation evi-
IDENTIFY for political and diplomatic pur-
poses which such rumorS are calcu-
lated to serve.
Japan has consistently preserved her
fair and equitable attitude toward the
Soviet Union throughout the years past,
before and after the Manchurian Incl
dent Despite the fundamental differ
ences in both the theory and constitu-
tion Of the state that divide the two
countries, we have always endeavored
TO keep on good neighborly terms with
Soviet Russia and sought the solution of
all questions by pacific means.
Especially since the establishment Of
Manchukuo, the Japanese government
has been acting solely upon its con-
viction that proper adjustment of
the tripartite relationship between
Japan Manchukuo and the Soviet I'm
ion was Of paramount importance for
the tranquility of East Asia. Japan
certainly is setting up no new military
establishments along the Manchukuo-
Soviet frontiers, Moscow propaganda
notwithstanding
Indeed, 1t is only as a part of the
aforementioned friendly policy that
Japan has undertaken since last June
to act as an Intermediary between
Manchukuo and the Soviet Union in
their negotiations on the proposed
transfer Of the North Manchuria Rail-
way. Such being the case, I am sure
that before long the Soviet Union must
come to appreciate fully the true in
tentions Of Japan.
Desires U. S. Friendship.
1t is earnestly hoped that the North
Manchuria railway negotiations, which
have unfortunately been at a stand
still for some time past, will soon be
resumed
1t may be definitely stated that be-
tween Japan and the United States of
America there exists no question that
IS intrinsically difficult Of solution. Far
from having any thought of picking a
quarrel with America, Japan fervently
desires American friendship. At the
same time I am confident that the
United States will not fail to appraise
correctly Japan's position in East Asia.
Only for a time following the out
break of the Manchurian incident,
public opinion in America was aroused
against Japan, bringing about some
thing like temporary estrangement of
the two peoples. It is hardly necessary
to reiterate that Japan is actuated by
no ulterior motive other than her de-
sire to establish enduring peace in
East Asia
Therefore. if only America will clearly
perceive the actual condition Of the
Orient and realize Japan's role as a
stabilizing force in East Asia, whatever
emotional tension may yet linger be-
tween the two peoples is bound to dis
appear.
I sincerely hope that the two great
nations across the Pacific will, in view
Of their important relations, COM
mercial and otherwise continue to Join
forces in cultivating their historical
friendship and good understanding so
as to keep the ocean forever true to
its name.
Japan's traditional amity with the
British Empire remains unshaken, even
at these times. I believe the two sea
powers occupying geographically SIM
liar key positions, one in the east and
the other in the west, can effectively
serve the cause Of universal peace
through sympathetic appreciation Of
their respective stands and whole
hearted collaboration in all quarters of
the world.
Sorry Situation in World.
1t is in this sense that our govern
ment is seeking to readjust whatever
conflict Of interests relating to ques-
tionS Of trade there may be and to
strengthen further the ties Of friend
ship that bind our empires. That our
negotiations with India, an important
knotty problems Of commerce have now
been substantially concluded is a source
Of qualification on both sides.
Now, a survey of the world as a whole
reveals a sorry situation in which
economic disorder, political unrest and
confusion and conflict of ideas threaten
to destroy international equilibrium at
any moment, while the mutual con-
fidence Of nations in one another ap-
pears to have wilted not little.
I consider that no insuperable diff
culties need be anticipated in settling
any question If the nations manifest
their sincerity, and with true compre-
hension of one another's position meet
in q genuine and generous spirit Of
universal brotherhood.
What Is wanted is the abandonment
of bootless jealousy and antagonism,
and reinforcement of the sense of unity
and mutual interdependence However,
International trade barriers, instead of
decreasing are fast multiplying. The
World Economic Conference was forced
to adjourn without having achieved
desired results.
OF late our industries have taken
marked strides, with corresponding ex-
pansion In our oversee trade, while ow-
ing to the prevailing economic national
ism one country after another has be-
gun to set up fresh obstacles against
the advance Of our export industries
Our government is making earnest ef-
forts to deal effectively with the
situation.
Many Foreign Problems.
Since mutual understanding Of one
another's unique national culture Is Of
no small value In fostering good will
between nations, our government Is
planning to take suitable measures in
concert with private institutions for
facilitating the cultural intercourse Of
our nation with the outside world.
In the light Of what have already
stated. 1t Is impossible for me to deny
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