I think of you every day, but do not try to reach you directly as I know
the burden you are carrying.
[Enclosure 1]
The Japanese Ambassador (Sato) to Colonel E. M.
House
Washington,
May 8, 1917
.
My Dear Colonel House: For your kind
reception and open-hearted talk which I had the pleasure of enjoying
in New York, I wish you to accept my warm and sincere thanks.
According to your suggestion, I have since prepared a memorandum
succintly setting forth the point which found [formed?] a part of our conversation and I am taking the
liberty to send it to you for whatever you may see fit.
Mr Oscar S. Straus called on me two days after I had the pleasant
interview with you, and he was telling me about his idea of making
the most of the present trend of things for fostering better
relations between our countries. It is indeed gratifying to find
evidences indicating that a more serious interest in our relations
is actually being taken in this country and especially among men of
great influence.
With high regard [etc.]
[Subenclosure]
Memorandum by the Japanese Ambassador (Sato)
The Japanese-American question which calls for an immediate
adjustment, is that of the treatment of the resident Japanese in
this country. What Japan desires is nothing more than the enjoyment
of the most favored nation treatment. That desideratum may be
attained, in my personal opinion, by the adoption of some of the
following means.
1. By Treaty.
a. By concluding an independent treaty, mutually guaranteeing to the
citizens and subjects, the most favored nation treatment, in matters
of property and other rights relative to the exercise of industries,
occupations, and other pursuits. Negotiations in this line, were for
some time conducted between Secretary Bryan and Ambassador Chinda,
which, however, for reasons I need not here state, have since been
in abeyance.
b. By revising the existing commercial treaty between our two
countries, so as to conform, in its stipulations, to similar
engagements between Japan and various European powers, which
guarantee in principle, the most favored nation treatment, in the
enjoyment of property rights and in all that relates to the pursuit
of industries, callings and educational studies.
[Page 404]
2. By American legislation.
Although the subject is not fit for international discussion, it may
be mentioned that a constitutional amendment restraining any state
from making and enforcing any law discriminatory against aliens in
respect to the property and other civil rights, will prove a
far-reaching remedy. In fact a resolution with the same object in
view has, I understand, been introduced in Congress lately.
In this connection, I may state the fact that the provisions of
racial distinction in the present naturalization law, were, in a
number of instances, made use of for the purpose of depriving
Japanese subjects of the rights and privileges of a civil nature.
Although the wisdom of the law is in itself a matter of national and
not international concern, the unfortunate circumstance that certain
provisions of that law furnish a pretext for the impairment of alien
rights, should, I may be allowed to remark, constitute a fit subject
for legislative attention.
The comparative merits of each means should be studied by both
Governments in the light of expediency and feasibility. Whether the
adoption of any one means will be sufficient to cover the whole
ground is a matter upon which precaution forbids me to pass a final
judgment at present, but I am strongly convinced that each means
will go a long distance towards a complete solution of the
question.
Before concluding, I desire to touch upon the subject of immigration.
The question whether Japanese laborers shall be admitted or not, has
been consummately solved by the continued faithful observance by
Japan of the so-called Gentleman’s Agreement. So far as the Japanese
Government is concerned, it is no longer in the realm of living
questions, and in my view, it would serve the best interests of both
nations to leave the question as it is.
[Enclosure 2]
Colonel E. M. House to the
Japanese Ambassador (Sato)
My Dear Mr. Ambassador: Thank you for your
letter of May 8th enclosing the memorandum.
I shall take up the matter informally with Washington when the time
seems opportune. At the moment, I am afraid, it could not be given
that calm consideration which its importance justifies.
Please be assured that I shall always do what I can to help maintain
the good relations which exist between our two countries.
I shall remember with much satisfaction our conversation of the other
day, and I shall look forward to seeing you soon again.
I am [etc.]
[File copy not signed]
New York
,
May 10, 1917
.
