CHINA AND JAPAN.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXIX, Issue LXIX, 25 May 1915, Page 5

CHINA AND JAPAN.

COUNT OKUMA'S ASSURANCE.

That the Government at "Washington is fully informed about Japan's intentions "towards China, and that "uneasiness and suspicion in the United States in connection with Japan's negotiations with Pekin are based on misunderstanding and misinformation," is the burden of a message to the American people - from Count Okuma, Premier of Japan, printed in the New York Independent. The message in full is as follows:

"The uneasiness and suspicion in the United States in connection with Japan's negotiations at Pekin are based on misunderstanding and misinformation scattered broadcast by interested mischief-makers. When the negotiations are disclosed it will be found r

"That Japan has not infringed the rights of other nations; that Japan has adhered strictly to the principle of equal opportunity; that Japan is not attempting to secure a monopoly in China; that Japan is not attempting to create a protectorate over China; that Japan is not seeking to secure in China any advantage which does not accord with the AngloJapanese Alliance, or with any treaties or tmdertakings with the United States.

"We have fully informed the United States and the other interested Powers as to Japan's piirposes. We believe that they are satisfied.

"The negotiations between Japan and China are nearing a satisfactory conclusion. I am now willing to state publicly through the Independent that Japan is quite confident of the rectitude and good faith of her position. Japan is merely seeking to settle outstanding troublesome questions in a way looking towards permanent peace and good understanding."