Page:Paul Samuel Reinsch - Secret Diplomacy, How Far Can It Be Eliminated? - 1922.djvu/140



The policy of Japan at the time did not look with favor upon China associating herself with the Allies. Demarches which were made to bring about the entry of China into the alliance were negatived by Japan. This in itself might have been based on sound reasons, yet the real inward- ness of this policy was revealed at the time when the United States had broken off relations with Germany and when the Chinese Government in the days immediately thereafter was considering whether to follow the example of the United States. From a report of the Russian Ambassa- dor at Tokio concerning an interview with the Foreign Minister of Japan, which took place on February 10, 1917, we learn that the Minister for Foreign Affairs alluded to a rumor that an at- tempt might be made to induce China to join the Allies to the extent of breaking off relations with Germany. The Foreign Minister said in ef- fect: "It would be unwise and dangerous to at- tempt to bring China to the side of the Allies unless we can be sure that it can be carried through. This is, however, doubtful. Yet the Japanese Government is willing to undertake the task of inducing China to take the step. But be- fore making any such proposal, the Japanese Gov- ernment desires to be informed as to the attitude