AMERICAN-JAPANESE TREATY.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 14448, 7 November 1917, Page 3

AMERICAN-JAPANESE TREATY.

THE OPEN DOOR TQ CHINA

(Reuter's Telegram.) (Received November 7, 8.46 a.m.) • PEKING, Nov. 6

The Japanese Minister informed the Chinese Foreign Office that Mr Lansing and Count Ishii had signed a treaty m which the United States recognises Japan's special interest m China, reaffirming the open door policy.

(Received Nov. 7, 12.40 p.m.) WASHINGTON. Nov. 6. "* Mr Lansing,' commenting on the agreement with Japan, emphasised that German influence had been attempting to create mutual distruct and discord between the United States and Japan. These leports unless checked threatened to develop into a serious situation. Count Isnii's visit had accomplished a change of opinion m the United States. Both nations realise that they had both nearly been 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 cooperation m the Pacific for the purpose of defeating Germany. The United States and Japan did not intend interfering with the independence or territorial rights of China. They would adhere to the principle of the socalled open door, giving equal opportunity to commerce and industry m China. They were opposed to the acquisition hy any Government of special rights and privileges calculated to affect China's independence or denying Chinese subjects equality of opportunity m Chinese commerce and industry.

(Received Nov. 7, 1.20 p.m.) ' WASHINGTON. Nov. 6.

Mr Lansing's memorandum on the agreement with Japan says that m order to silence mischievous reports it is advisable to announce the intention 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 interest- m China, particularly m the portion contiguous to Japanese possessions. Nevertheless the territorial sovereignty of China remains unimpaired. Tlie United Stateß Government has every confidence m 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 Gliina m treaties with other Powers,