File No. 763.72/1413.
The Ambassador in Japan (Guthrie) to the Secretary of State
Tokyo, December 31, 1914.
[Received January 27, 1915.]
Sir: Supplementing my previous despatches on the subject I have the honor to enclose a summary of further replies by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to interpellation in the Diet, principally on questions connected with Japan’s participation in the war.
I have [etc.]
[Enclosure]
Summaries (paraphrase) of replies by the Minister of Foreign, Affairs to interpellations in the Diet, December 10, 1914
QUESTIONS CONNECTED WITH THE WAR
Retrocession of Kiaochow. With reference to the report in the London Times regarding the negotiations preceding the declaration of war by Japan against Germany, while Japan and England had consulted in regard to joint action against Germany, in the presentation of the ultimatum Japan acted independently, and not as the result of consultation with England. Japan has made no promise to England respecting the retrocession to China of Kiaochow to which reference was made in the ultimatum. Count Okuma and I have on several occasions declared that the war was undertaken in pursuance of the alliance and not for the purpose of territorial aggrandizement. The London Times may have interpreted this declaration as an unquestionable intention to retrocede Kiaochow, but it does not in any way constitute a promise to do so.
That the United States should have felt satisfaction at our declaration is: excellent, and in view of Japan’s justice and impartiality, which I have often mentioned in the Diet, it is in my opinion only natural that the United States would be satisfied.
The South Sea Islands. The occupation of the South Sea Islands, was a military measure, and no diplomatic action in connection therewith has been taken. Just as in the case of Great Britain, so in the case of Japan the occupation of German territory is temporary, and its disposition will be decided at the peace conference.
The Sphere of Warlike Operations. The Government has not limited its sphere of warlike operations by any agreement with England. The British Press Bureau published a report to the effect that it had done so, but in reply to my inquiry the British Government denied the existence of any such agreement, implying, however, that the intent of Japan’s declaration had been taken in that sense. I definitely expressed my refusal to make any promise of that kind, even should the British colonies entertain anxiety on account of Japan’s movements, and informed the British Foreign Office that I would disclaim such promise if interpellated in the Diet.
The Anglo-Japanese Alliance. With regard to the recent memorandum issued by the British Government announcing that England, Russia, and France had agreed to consult in making terms of peace with Germany, there was no necessity for including Japan in the agreement, as this matter was already covered by the treaty of alliance. Where and how the peace negotiations will be conducted are questions for future determination.
The Anglo-Japanese alliance is as necessary to Japan to-day as ever, and will continue to be so, as long as no great change occurs in conditions. While in the present war the Japanese and British military authorities are consulting and cooperating without reserve, Japan is in no sense performing duties under the orders of England.
Chino-Japanese Relations. With reference to the Interpolation whether the Government intends to effect a fundamental solution of the Chinese question, the present Cabinet like its predecessors is using its efforts to cultivate the [Page 211] friendship and promote the common interests of our two countries. The Government does not, however, as my interpellator seems to expect, intend to lead China, which is entitled to respect as an independent country.
In reply to your question whether I feel easy of mind with such a man as Yuan Shih-kai at the head of the Chinese Government, I believe that President Yuan is a patriot, and as desirous as the Japanese authorities to strengthen the relations of our two countries.
The Conflict of Races. In regard to the question whether the yellow races are determined to confront the white, in my opinion, because a race is yellow it is not necessarily a friend of Japan. Whether yellow or white Japan’s safety lies in cultivating the friendship of peoples whose interests are common with her own.