763.72119/2636: Telegram

The Ambassador in Japan ( Morris ) to the Secretary of State

An adjourned meeting of the Advisory Council has been called for next Tuesday, to consider further the plans for Japan’s participation in the Peace Conference. The Minister for Foreign Affairs announced today that he anticipated two conferences, one for the actual signing of peace with the Central Powers, and another early next year for a more conclusive settlement of international question[s]. Chinda or Matsui will probably act alone for the present but the government contemplates sending to the second conference a special mission consisting of a number of Army and Navy experts and members of the permanent diplomatic service and headed by a statesman of recognized prestige. The Navy has already decided upon Admiral Takeshita as its chief representative. Who the others to be selected are, particularly the head of the mission, is much debated. My British colleague is showing [Page 490] unusual interest in the subject and has discussed it with the Minister for Foreign Affairs. He favors Viscount Kato who seems also to be the most popular choice in Japan, but his appointment is doubtful for political reasons.

It is hoped by Japanese that the organization of a League of Nations will offer an opportunity to assert the equality of the yellow race, a question which underlies all discussions on the subject. With this in mind plans are being seriously discussed for an immediate alliance with China so that the two nations may work in harmony at the Conference.

Mister Norman, counsellor of the British Embassy has been chosen as one of the advisers of the British Bondholders Commission and leaves for London next week. He has had long experience in Japanese and Near Eastern affairs.

Peace celebrations are being planned by the authorities in the larger cities.

Morris