JAPAN'S TEN POINTS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16406, 28 December 1918, Page 10

JAPAN'S TEN POINTS.

PEACE TERMS DEFINED.

What will be Japan's peace terms? This question was answered by Marquis OKuma, ex-i'remier of Japan, .in an article published by the . "Kokumin," a .Japanese paper, in September, Since the beginning of the war, none '..of the Japanese statesmen pr publicists have tried to answer this question, so the Marquis's answer has special importance. Marquis Okuma's peace < terms are: (1) Japan, should approve all decisions to be reached by Great Britain, France, and the United States so' far as the' territorial alterations in the Western front, Central Europe, '■ Balkans, and in the African colonies are concerned, as Japan has no direct, interest in the affairs of these territoriosi '

(2) Japan's attitude towards the problems relating to the future of Germany and Hussia should be decided in accordance with the conclusion reached by the Allied Conference, but Japan should declare first that the fundamental principle applicable in settling the problem should be founded on the universal desire to obtain the permanent peace of the world.

(3) The problems relating to war indemnity should be settled by the Allied Conference. (4) The future of the Samoa Islands, which has caused various diplomatic controversies between Great Britain, the United States, and Germany should be decided in accordance with "the will of the former two Powers, for the purpose of destroying German bases in the Pacific.

(5) The German New Guinea, which lS now occupied by the British, should not be returned to Germany. Australia would not consent to the retrocession, even though the Home Government of Great Britain might accept it. The principle should aiso be applicable to the Bismarck Islands. ~,( 6 ) J a Pa n should hold those islands like Marshall, Caroline, and others which are now occupied, by the Japanese Navy, as it is dangerous to return tnem to Germany, and as there is no reason to let the other Powers occupy

(7) The cable line between Tsingtao and the southern islands which is now occupied by the Japanese Navy should be held by Japan. The cable line ra owned by a private concern, so that Germany should buy it up before conceding it to Japan. (8) Japan should return Tsingtao to China as she has declared, bat she should have the right to hold the exclusive settlement there and various organs and buildings attached to the settlement. The Tsinan Railway which is a property of a private con-' cerD, should be bought up by the German Government and then should do conceded to Japan. | miSte T nance r ° b ?f mS or^ %, % j should be settled by the Allied Confer-! f 3,1 tHe AUied Powers Should ! refrain from any action or demand for i Co ° c P. ss,ons in Siberia. V relat, °ns between China and other Powers should be based upon the Kit? ° Pen " door an <3' equal oppor-