JAPAN AND CHINA

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9812, 8 November 1917, Page 6

JAPAN AND CHINA

OPEN BOOR POLICY ■AGRBEAFENT between united STATES AND JAPAN. ij Telegraph— Press Association— Copyright Eeuter'a Telegrams. PEKIN, November 6. T!ho Japanese Minister bas informed ■tho Chinese Foreign Office that Air Lansing (Secretary of State iortl ’° XJxutod States) and Viscount Ishu (Japanese Ambassador) have signed a treaty, in which the United States recognises Japan’s special interest in China, and reaffirms the open door policy. YORK, November 6. Mr Lansing announces that America and Japan have signed an agreement reaffirming the open door policy m China, and recognising Japan s special interest in China. POSITION EXPLAINED BY AIR LANSING.

Australian and N.Z, Cable Association. WASHINGTON, November 6. Mr Lansing, commenting on the agreement with Japan emphasised that German influence had been attempting to create mutual distrust and discord between the United States and Japan. Those reports, if unchecked, threatened to develop a serious situation. Viscount Ishii’s visit had accomplished a change of opinion ,in the United 1 States. .Both nations realised that they were nearly led into a Gorman-prepared trap. Ihe negotiations emphasised Japan s desire to co-operate with America against Germany. A complete understanding had been reached regarding naval co-opera-tion in -the-Pacific'-for tho purpose of defeating Germany. t , The United States and Japan do not intend to infringe the independence or territorial integrity of China They will adhere to the principle of the socalled ‘ r off?n door” of equal opportunity for commerce and industry in China. They were opposed to the acquisition by any Government of special rights or privileges calculated to affect China’s independence, or to deny the Chinese subject equality of opportunity In China’s commerce and industry. - THE AIEAIO aAND UAI OF AGREEMENT. . Air Lansing’s memorandum on the agreement with Japah says: “In order to silence mischievous reports, it is advisable to announce" the intentions of the Japanese ail'd' ’American Governments regarding China. The Governments recognise that their territorial propinquity creates special relations between tho two countries. Consequently’tbe United'States ’recognises Japan’s Special interests in China, particularly in the portion contiguous to Japanese possessions. Nevertheless the. territorial sovereignty of China remains unimpaired. The United States Government has ovory confidence in the repeated assurances of the Japanese Government that, while the geographical position gives Japan special interests in China, Japan does not desiro to discriminate ■against tho trade of other nations, or to disregard tho commercial rights granted to China in treaties with other Powers.”

CONSCRIPTION IK AUSTRALIA

PROTEST AGAINST VOLUNTARY SYSTEM. United Prcaa Association— Copyright. SYDNEY, November V. The conscription tide is_ rising. A number of State Recruiting Committees aro resigning as a protest against tbo continuation of tho voluntary system. , _ MELBOURNE, November 7. Tlie ‘University Council .has resolved to urge enlistment by all students of military age. . Mr W. H. Hughes (Prime Minister) declines to make a statement on the position till after to-day’s Cabinet meeting. (Received November 7, 9.20 p.m.) MELSOURNE, November 7. The Cabinet is discussing tho military situation. Ministerial opinion regarding conscription is divided. Some favour an early election, and others a second referendum. Mr Hughes declined to make a statement of the Government’s attitude beyond remarking that the Italian situation was the most serious since tho Marne. There as a presentation of tho case which is so grave as to ho full of the most ’ominous portents. ANOTHER IhfERENDUM TO BE TAKEN. (Received November 8, 1.10 a.m.) MELBOURNE. November 7. Tho Cabinet, has decided to take another referendum on the conscription question.