WHY JAPAN CAME. IN.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 217, 17 October 1914, Page 2

WHY JAPAN CAME. IN.

IMPORTANT SPEECH BY BARON KATO. FORCED TO PROTECT COMMERCE AGAINST GERMANY. TOKIO, Japan, September 5. Baron Kato, Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the opening of the Diet to-day, reviewed the events leading up to the war with Germany. He said that early in August England asked Japan's assistance and that Japan necessarily complied. After a full and frank exchange of views Japan advised the Germans of the Japanese "ultimatum which was unanswered and war was declared.'' Baron Kato's statement follows:; — '' Early in August the British Government asked the Imperial Government for assistance under-the terms of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. German men-of-war and "other armed vessels were prowling the seas of Eastern Asia, menacing our commerce and thaj; of our ally. < Cites German Preparations. "Kiao-Chau was being made ready apparently for the purpose of constituting a base for warlike operations in Eastern Asia. Grave anxiety was thus felt as to the maintenance of peace in the Far East. "As all are aware of the agreement, the alliance between Japan and Great Britain has for its maintenance of general peace in ffijastern . Asia, insuring the. independenceffand integrity of. China,- as well. as. thj of equal opportunities for ; commerce and industry of all nations in that country, and for the maintenance and defence re-: spectively of the. .territorial .rights and Special interest of the contracting parties. ■ ■ * Acts to Protect Commerce. '' Therefore, inasmuch as she was asked by her ally for assistance at a time when the commerce of Eastern Asia, which Japan and Great Britain regarded alike when one of their special interests was subjected to constant menace, Japan, which -regards that alliance asthe guiding principle of her foreign policy, could not but comply with the request to do her part." Germany's possession of a base for powerful activities in one corner of the Far East, was not only a serious obstacle to the maintenance of permanent peace, but it also conflicted with the immediate interests of the Japanese Empire, Baron. Kato explained. ' ! . j Japan True to Alliance. | " The Japanese Government,'' , he continued, "therefore resolvecl to comply with ■ the British request, and, if necessary, to open hostilities against Germany. , '' After Imperial sanction had been obtained a resolution was communicated to the British Government and a full and frank exchange of views between the two Governments followed. t lt was finally agreed between.. ; them ,-to , take such action as was necessary to protect their general interests as contemplated by the agreement of their alliance. "Japan had,,,no desire or inclination to become involved in the present conflict. Permanent Peace Japan's Object. '•'But Japan believed that she owed it to herself to .be faithful • to her alliance and strengthen its foundation by insuring permanent peace in the east and protecting the special interests' of the two Allied Powers. "Desiring, however, to solve the situation by pacific means, the Imperial Government on August 15 gave the following .advice to the German Government: (Here Baron Kato read the text of the ultimatum communicated • »tp ■Germany on that date.) "Until the last moment of the time allowed on August 23, the Imperial Government received no answer, and thus the Imperial rescript declaring war was issued the next day. * Praises America's Courtesy. " When the relations between Japan and Germany reached the point of rupture, the Imperial-Government asked if the American Government, if the case demanded, would be, good enough to undertake the protection of Japanese subjects and their interests in Germany. "This request the American Government promptly complied with, and subsequently, upon the rupture of diplo-

matic relations between Japan an®°Aus-tro-Hungary, the Imperial Government again appealed to the American Government for the protection of Japanese subjects and interests in Aus-tro-Hungary. The American Government gave the same willing consent. "I desire to avail myself of this opportunity to give expression of the sincere appreciation on the part of the Imperial Government to the courtesy so kindly extended by the American Government. "While regretting that Japan is compelled to take up arms against Germany, I am happy in the belief that the army and navy of our . illustrioiis Sovereign will not fail to show the same loyalty and valour with which they have distinguished themselves in the past, so that all may be blessed with an early restoration of peace."