American Legation,
Tokyo, March 28,
1906.
No. 420.]
It will be noted that this article urges upon the present cabinet as one
of its most pressing duties the carrying out of the principle of
equality of commercial opportunity in Manchuria.
In discussing the present political situation in China, the Jiji Shimpo
lays great stress upon the need of a united policy on the part of the
United States, Great Britain, and Japan for the maintenance of Chinese
integrity and of the principle of the “open door.”
I have, etc.
[Inclosure.]
the diplomacy of the present
cabinet.
[Editorial in Jiji Shimpo of March 28.]
Following the failure of the diplomacy of the former government,
there is much to be done by the present cabinet in remedying the
effects. Matters to be treated with the Russian Government in
accordance with the Russo-Japanese treaty of peace and the renewal
of friendship between the two countries call for prompt settlement.
Among the matters, which at this time demand the most thorough and
energetic measures with a view to their settlement, one of the most
urgent is that, as soon as the withdrawal of troops from Manchuria
nears completion, we open up that territory, cause China to put into
effect her promise to open up her cities, allow foreigners and
natives alike the freedom to engage in commercial enterprise, and,
finally, carry into practice the principle of equality of
opportunity. The movement in China for restoring concessions once
granted to foreigners and the antiforeign disturbances in general,
including violence to the foreign missionaries, may have serious
consequences. Though the movement for restoring concessions is not
primarily anti-foreign in its nature, yet it is natural that
foreigners should be prepared for any emergency, as it has a
remarkable influence on a people like the Chinese who are
narrow-minded and haughty. The attempt to dispatch troops to Manila
by the American Government is most opportune, and our Government has
given a warning to the Chinese Government concerning the
situation.
What makes us more anxious is the complication of the interests of
the powers in China. The Chinese still dislike the Americans, for
they have not yet ceased to boycott American goods. From the
standpoint of the movement for restoring concessions, the Chinese
can not be very friendly to the British. There is something
unsatisfactory in the recent attitude of the Chinese Government
toward ours. If, however, China’s attitude toward all foreign
countries were equally hostile, there would be no fear of
international complications, for then all the powers could unite in
dealing with China. For instance, while some countries are getting
ready for sending troops others are withdrawing them from China.
There is nothing to be wondered at in the way some countries curry
favor with China by intimating that this or that country is
treacherous. But it is possible that a movement may be started for
causing discord between Japan, Great Britain, and America. As is
stated in the treaty of alliance, it is the aim of both Japan and
Great Britain to maintain the territorial integrity of China and to
open the country to the world’s commerce. The United States is the
most ardent advocate of these two principles, and the three
countries have common interests in China. In these days when an
intrigue may possibly be started, it is necessary that these three
countries should be united, in order to be prepared for any
emergency and to protect their common interests. A combined
influence of the three countries will have a considerable influence
over China, and any intrigue against the combination would be
powerless. Though some foreigners intimate that the Japanese are
instigating the antiforeign agitation in China, no intelligent
person will listen to such an irresponsible rumor. In order more
fully to strengthen the combination of these three countries and to
prevent another disruption, Japan should at this time take steps for
opening up Manchuria as rapidly as possible, should allow foreigners
and natives alike freely to engage in commercial enterprise, and
especially should induce Englishmen and Americans to enter this
field and to cooperate with her in this enterprise; this, therefore,
is an end to which our diplomatists to-day should strongly direct
their efforts. Among the many things we expect of the present
cabinet in their foreign policy, the strengthening of the
combination of Japan, Great Britain, and America for the
[Page 177]
sake of their common
interests in China we believe to be an extremely urgent measure, and
we dare to urge the authorities concerned to spare no efforts for
accomplishing this end.
