UNITED STATES.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 November 1917, Page 5

UNITED STATES.

JAPANESE AGREEMENT. OPEN DOOR WITH CHINA. RELATIONS WITH AMERICA,,

Peking, Nov. 6. The Japanese Minister informed the Chinese Foreign Office that Mr. Lansing and Count Ishii had signed a treaty in which the United Stales recognises Japan's special interest in China, and re»ffirming the open door policy, Washington, Nov. (J. Mr. Langing, commenting oit the agreement with Japan, emphasised that German influence had been attempting to :rcate mutual distrust Wl discord, between the United State* and Japan. These reports, unless checked", ed to develop a serious situation. .'. Count Ishii's visit ha9.ac'o ( omplishd a change of opinion in' the United 'States. Both nations realise that thcy'.w'ere nearly led into a trap prepared by Qermahy. The negotiations emphasised Japan's desire to co-operate with America against Germany and a complete undel'stAlidlhg was reached regarding naval co-operation in the Pacific for the purpose of defeating Germany. The United States and 'Japan do not Intend interfering with the independence of territorial China. They adhere to the principle of the so-called open door, giving an.equal opportunity to their commerce and industry in China. They are opposed to thcactyilffjtjj&.ji-bv _7iy Government of special rights and privijeges calculated to affeQt China's independence. The ordinary Chinese subject will have equality of opportunity in China's commerce and industry. MR. LANSING'S VIEWS. Washington. Nov. fl. Mr. Lansing's memorandum on the agreement with Japan says:— "In order to silence mischievous reports it is advisable to announce the intentions of the Japanese and Aineriran Governments regarding China. The Governments recognise that territorial' propinquity creates special relations between the two countries, consequently the United States recognises Japan's special interest* in China, particularly in the portion contiguous to the Japanese possessions, nevertheless the territorial sovereignity of China remains unimpaired. The United States Government has every confidence ,jjj the repeated assurances of the Japanese Government that, while the geographical position gives Japan special interests, Jnpan docs not desire to 'discriminate against the trade of other nations or disregard the commercial rights granted by China in treaties with other Powers."