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At a time when the Powers interested in China are thus joining their hands to promote the welfare of the Chinese people, by avoiding needless competition among themselves and by further strengthening their friendship and concert. it is a matter to be deeply deplored, especially by Japan who, as her neighbour, is peculiarly interested, that a complete and peaceful unification of China is not yet in sight. Last summer when the political situation of China began to give signs of farther complication, and later when things came to such a pass that the northern part of China became involved in armed conflicts, the Japanese Government, as you are well aware, besides early warning their officials and nationals in China to refrain from any and all acts or activities that might be regarded as taking part in the political strife, published a declaration on their policy of scrupulous impartiality and their attitude of strict fairness. The situation in China is now at a turning point and the awakening of the people is indeed worthy of note. That the path of China is beset with difficulties should command the deep sympathy of the people and Government of Japan, while a development worthy of her great past is a thing very eagerly hoped for by Japan which stands in such a close relationship with her. Not only for China's sake alone but for the general welfare and peace of the world, it is devoutly to be desired that China should speedily recover peace and unity.
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In reviewing the conditions of the Far East, and especially of China, I deeply regret to have to refer to the calamitous event which occurred at Hunshun fast October. On the details of the event and the circumstances which constrained the Japanese Government to despatch troops both for self-defence and for the protection of the Japanese residents, a public statement was made at the time. These Japanese troops have proved equal to the task expected of them. The Chinese Government, on the other hand, actuated by a spirit of co-operation, have been transferring suitable contingents to Chientão for the purpose of clearing the locality of the outlaws and guarding against future disturbances. The Japanese Government, therefore, in pursuance of their declaration, have decided to withdraw their troops. At the same time, steps are now being taken with a view to proper settlement of this unfortunate affair. It is only their intention to provide fully in co-operation with the Chinese Government for the tranquillity of the districts affected and for the protection of the Japanese subjects.
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The Czecho-Slovak troops in Siberia, with the aid of the Japanese military anthorities as well as that of the Railway Commission of the Allied and Associated Powers and its various branches, were transferred from Western Siberia to Vladivostok and by the beginning of last September were embarked to the last man from that port. When the Czechs had withdrawn from Trans-Baikalia, the Japanese Government, consistently with their repeated declarations, withdrew their troops from the region. In the districts around Vladivostok, whence a menace to the peace of Korea was still felt and where the safety of the many resident Japanese had to be provided for, and in Habarovsk which is a point of strategic importance on the way to the province of Saghalien, we had to keep sufficient forces until such time as tranquillity was restored in these regions. As soon as the situation round Habarovsk began to show a degree of stability, we withdrew our troops from that district in last September.
The political situation of Eastern Siberia underwent various vicissitudes during the course of the last half-year. There were in existence since last spring four local Governments at Vladivostok and other centres. The time gradually became ripe during last fall for the amalgamation of these local political bodies until in November last the so-called Amalgamation Assembly was held at Chita. This Assembly declared the independence of the Russian provinces east of the Selenga river, to which the name of Far Eastern Republic was given. Chita was chosen for the seat of the central Government, and the various political bodies were relegated to a position of local autonomy. It was also decided that a constitutional assembly should be held on the 25th January. As a result of this amalgamation, the Provisional Government at Vladivostok turned its authority over to the Central Government about the middle of last December.
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The Government of the Far Eastern Republic claims to stand for anti- communistic democracy, and has declared itself in favour of friendly relationship with foreign countries, especially with its near neighbours. What the new Govern- ment may do in practice is for the future to reveal. The political stability of Russia in general is earnestly hoped for by Japan as her good neighbour, while as for Siberia in particular, it is the keenest desire of the Japanese Government that this troubled area should be unified on a sound basis and be restored to complete order.
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The historic good relationship between Japan and the United States needs no reiteration at this time of day. The relations between the two nations, however, have to-day greatly increased both in closeness and importance from political, economic, scial, and various other points of view. It is true that this friendly relationship is not without occasional mingling of unpleasantness; that is almost inevitable in the complexity of international relations, but I am firmly of opinion that funda- mentally the relationship between Japan and America is as cordial as ever, and that there are no insurmountable obstacles such as might disturb the basis factors which govern that relationship. Moreover, I am happy to notice that in recent years popular understanding between the two peoples has been greatly helped by the close and frequent contact of influential men of both countries. I desire to express my appreciation of the valuable efforts of these people which I hope will not be allowed to slacken in the future.
"I have to dwell here on an unfortunate event which has occurred in our relations with the United States. Last November, at the general election of the United States, the State of California passed through initiative an alien land law. The contents of the law are now generally known and may need no explanation here. In a word, the new land law is a cognate law of 1013 made more drastic and severe. That it is aimed at the Japanese and is unjust and discriminatory cannot be denied. The regret which the Japanese Government expressed at the legislation of 1913 is therefore still more keenly entertained by them at this new legislation. This question of land law, however, is not one of to-day or yesterday. It has a long history and complex and delicate bearings. It is impossible to solve the problem from the standpoint of one side alone. Principally for these reasons the difficulty arising between Japan and America from the legislation of 1913 has remained unsettled to this day. In dealing with this matter, therefore, the Japanese Govern- ment have from the outset exercised closest care. Not only, antecedent to the passage of the law, did they take proper and well-advised steps, but, recognising from a higher standpoint of Japanese-American friendship and with ample regard to the close and important relations of interest between the two nations, the urgency of a final solution of difficulties caused by such unfortunate and unpleasant events, they caused their representative to open discussion with the American authorities. Frank and free exchange of views has since been going on on various points calling for examination and debate. Although it is to be regretted that we are not yet in a position to publish the results of these discussions, it is the sincere desire of the Japanese Government that a solution, compatible with the honour and interests of both countries, may finally be arrived at.
The above is a general survey of our foreign relations up to the present moment. On matters of detail I shall have the pleasure to give explanation on later occasions.
"I thank
you for
your courteous attention."
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