“GIVE BEFORE YOU RECEIVE"

Waikato Times, Volume 92, Issue 14259, 9 January 1920, Page 3

“GIVE BEFORE YOU RECEIVE"

ADMONITION OF JAPANESE STATESMEN. DEMAND FOR RACE EQUALITY. The urgent duty of the Japanese is for them to understand the new ideas and thoughts now prevailing among Western nations, declares Mr Ozaki, former Atinister of Justice, in an interview recently published in one of the leading Japanese newspapers. He said: The woipd has changed and is changing, and it is a hard job for us, the Japanese, to follow after the rapid progress of the world civilisation, unless we arc fully awakened, and are always watchful about the trend of the limes.

“Many seem to think that America entertains some selfish ambition, and that the democratic and humanitarian declaration of the American politicians arc nothing but hypocrisy. Alas! Why are the Japanese people so suspicious of everything foreign? Do they not understand the fact —the fundamental factor of the modern diplomacy, that all national interests, selfish or unselfish, are to be obtained only through policies based upon justice and international sincerity? The Americans realise this fact, so that they are now exerting themselves to increase their influence and prosperity, not only through unjust and inhuman jmlicics, but through those who benefit not only the Americans themselves, but all mankind. “In the light of the newly-born civilisation national interest, and international interest are one, this being the foundation of diplomacy and polities of the new ago. Does the present Japanese realise this? Frankly speaking, I am greatly dissatisfied with the policy now taken by the Government in regard to peace problems. It is said that our government has proposed, or at least, is going to propose, the equal treatment of all races before the peace conference. It is also said that Japan is anxious to hold the right of permanent occupation over the South Sea Islands. These are all right, but we should remember at the same time that these arc nothing but issues that favour Japanese interests. Why does the Government not take a more positive policy and exert itself, not only for the benefit of Japan alone, but for the welfare of all countries? “There are a number of men here, especially among the militarists, who entertain the idea that another great international competition of armaments would come in to existence in the near future. But this is indeed a foolish idea. In my opinion great international competition will come not in the form of increasing armament, but in the form of decreasing armament. And I really hope to see Japan become the champion in the competition to restrict or decrease the armament of nations. “I am anxious to see Japan stand not for his own interest, but for the interests of others. This is the only way to make Japan great, and also by this alone Japan may be able to obtain all things she wants as the reward of her service. The abolition of racial discrimination and other items are to be hoped for, but Japan should first think of the interests of others, should exert herself for the welfare of humanity at large, and then she will be regarded with everything ghe wants. We must give first what the others want, as they certainly will give us what we want in turn. ’ ’