CHINA'S INDEPENDENCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17156, 8 November 1917, Page 4

CHINA'S INDEPENDENCE

JAPO-AMERICAN AGREEMENT. THE OPEN-DOOR POLICY. Prees Association—By l'elegraph—Copyright. Renter's Telegrams. PEKING, November 6. The Japanese Minister _ here has informed the Chinese Foreign Office that Mr Lansing, United States Secretary of State, and Count Ishii, special missioner from Japan to the United States, have signed a treaty in which the United States recognises Japan's special interest in China and reaffirms the " open-door" policy. GERMAN INTRIGUE FOILED. STATEMENT BY SECRETARY OF STATE. Auitrnli&n and N.Z. Cable Aisociation WASHINGTON, November 6. Mr Lansing, commenting on the agreement with Japan, emphasised the fact that German influence had been attempting to create mutual distrust and discord between the United States and Japan. These reports, unless checked, threatened to develop a serious situation. Count Ishii's visit had accomplished a change of opinion in the United States. Both nations realised that they had been nearly led into a trap prepared by Germany. The negotiations emphasised Japan's desire to co-operate with America against Germany. A complete understanding had been reached regarding naval co-operation in the Pacific for the purpose of defeating Germany. The United States and Japan did not intend interfering with the independence, of territorial China. They would adhere to the principle of the so-called " open, door," giving equal opportunity for com-' merco and.industry in China. Thev were opposed to the acquisition by any Govern-' ment of special rights and privileges calculated to affect China's independence, or to deny Chinese subjects equality of opportunity in China's commerce and industry. JAPO-CHTNESE RELATIONS. RECOGNITION BY AMERICAWASHINGTON, November 6. Mr Lansing's memorandum on the agreement with Japan says that in order to silence mischievous reports it is advisable to announce the intentions of the Japanese and American Governments regarding China. The Governments recognise that territorial propinquity creates special relations between the two countries:" consequently the United States recognises Japan s special interests in. China, particularly in that portion contiguous to Japanese possessions. Nevertheless the territorial sovereignty of China remains unimpaired. The United States Government has every confidence in the repeated assurances of the Japanese Government that while the geographical position gives Japan special interests, Japan does not desire to discriminate against the trade of other nations, or to disregard the commercial rights granted to China in her treaties with other Powers.