AIMS OF JAPAN

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 80, 30 December 1919, Page 5

AIMS OF JAPAN

OPENING OF THE DIET.

STATEMENT BY THE PREMIER. (Rec. December 29, 9.50 p.m.) New York, December 29. The Chicago "Tribune's'' Tokio correspondent interviewed Mr. Hara. (Premier),' who said that Japan would not take a single foot of Siberian territory, and the moment the Bolshevik menace was dispelled sho would-withdraw every soldier. "I give my word that the rumours that Japan is secretly negotiating an alliance with Germany and Knssin are wholly unfounded." Mr. Hara added: "Japan absolutely pledges herself to give up all Chincso territory and withdraw all troops from Shantung and retain only the commercial concessions as soon as peace is signed. Japan is willing to entor a financial consortium for China, but must insist on the recognition of Japan's special interests in Manchuria. Japan haa not thought of acquiring territory or special concessions of any kind in Mexico."—Aus.-N.Z. C'ablo Assn.

(Rec. December 29, 10.20 p.m.) Tokio, December 29. Owing to tho Emperor's illness tho Premier, .Mr. Hara, read the Speech from tho Throne, at the opening of the Diet. The Speech expressed pleasure that. Japan's relations with, the Allies were increasingly friendly. Tho .Diet adjourned till January 20—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.