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Throughout the conferences which have taken place, Viscount Ishii has shown a sincerity and candour which dispelled every doubt as to his purpose and brought the two Governments into an attitude of confidence toward each other which made it possible to discuss every question with frankness and cordiality, approaching the subject in such a spirit and with the mutual desire to remove every possible cause of controversy.
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The negotiations were marked by a sincerity and good-will which from the first insured their success. The principal result of the negotiations was the mutual understanding which was reached as to the principles governing the policies of the two Governments in relation to China. This understanding is formally set forth in the notes exchanged and now made public. The statements in the notes require no explanation; they not only contain a re-affirmation of the open-door policy but introduce a principle of non-interference with the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China, which, generally applied, is essential to perpetual international peac as clearly declared by President Wilson, and which is the very foundation also of pan-Americanism as interpreted by this Government. The removal of doubts and suspicions and the mutual declaration of the new doctrine as to the Far East would be enough to make the visit of the Japanese Commission to the United States historic and niemorable, but it accomplished a further purpose, which is of special interest to the world at this time, in expressing Japan's earnest desire to co-operate with this country in waging war against the German Government. The discussion, which covered the military, naval, and economic activities to be employed with due regard to relative resources and ability, showed the saune spirit of sincerity and candour which characterised the negotiations resulting in the exchange of notes.
At the present time it is inexpedient to make public the details of these conversations, but it may be said that this Government has been gratified by the assertions of Viscount Ishii and his colleagues that their Government desired to do their part in the suppression of Prussian militarism, and were eager to co-operate in every practical way to that end.
might be added, however, that complete and satisfactory understandings upon the matter of naval co-operation in the Pacific for the purpose of attaining the common object against Germany and her allies have been reached between the representative of the Imperial Japanese navy, who is attached to the Special Mission of Japan, and the representative of the United States navy.
It is only just to say that the success which has attended the intercourse of the Japanese Commission with American officials and with private persons as well is due in large measure to the personality of Viscount Ishii, the head of the mission. The natural reserve and hesitation which are not unusual in negotiations of a delicate nature disappeared under the influence of his open friendliness, while his frankness won the confidence and good-will of all. It is doubtful if a representative of a different temper could in so short a time have done as much as Viscount Ishii to place on a better and firmer basis the relations between the United States and Japan; through him the American people have gained a new and higher conception of the reality of Japan's friendship for the United States, which will be mutually beneficial in the future. Viscount Ishii will be remembered in this country as a statesman of high attainments, as a diplomat with a true vision of international affairs, and as a genuine and outspoken friend of America.
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
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C.O
[November 12.J
61261
SECTION 3.
REC
14 DEC17
Chinese Minister to Mr. Balfour.-(Received November 12.)
Your Excellency,
Chinese Legation, London, November 9, 1917. UNDER instructions from my Government I have the honour to communicate to your Excellency, for the information of His Britannic Majesty's Government, the enclosed copy of a telegram which I have received from the Wai-chiao Pu, Peking, in reference to the notes exchanged between the Governments of the United States and Japan regarding relations with China.
I have, &c.
SAO-KE ALFRED SZE.
Enclosure in No. 1.
Copy of a Telegram from the Wai-chiao Pu, Peking, dated November 8, and received by the Chinese Minister in London on November 9, 1917.
THE following declaration, anent the exchange of notes between the United States and Japan vis-à-vis China, was delivered to the American and Japanese Ministers to-day with the request that the same be communicated to their respective Governments:-
The Government of the United States and the Government of Japan have recently, in order to silence mischievous reports, effected an exchange of notes at Washington concerning their desires and intentions with regard to China. Copies of the said notes have been communicated to the Chinese Government by the Japanese Minister at Peking, and the Chinese Government, in order to avoid misunderstanding, hastens to make the following declaration so as to make known the views of the Chinese Government. The principle adopted by the Chinese Government towards the friendly nations has always been one of justice and equality, and consequently the rights enjoyed by the friendly nations derived from the treaties have been consistently respected, and so also, even with the special relations between countries created by the fact of territorial contiguity, but only in so far as they have already been provided for in her existing treaties. Hereafter the Chinese Government will still adhere to the principle hitherto adopted, and it is hereby again declared that the Chinese Govern- ment will not allow herself to be bound by any agreement entered into by other nations.
Communicate the above to the Government to which you are accredited.- WAI-CHIAO Pu.
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