" STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH "

approval and upon which Japan has frequently insisted. Not only
are the American people perturbed over their being arbitrarily de-
prived of long-established rights, including those of equal oppor-
tunity and fair treatment, ^but they feel that the present trend in the
Far East, if continued, will be destructive of the hopes which they
sincerely cherish of the development of an orderly world. American
rights and interests in China are being impaired or destroyed by
the policies and actions of the Japanese authorities in China. American
property is being damaged or destroyed ; American nationals are
being endangered and subjected to indignities. If I felt in a position
to set forth all the facts in detail to-day, you would, without any
question, appreciate the soundness and full justification of the American
attitude. Perhaps you will also understand why I \vish to-day to
exercise restraint.

In short, the American people, from all the thoroughly reliable
evidence that comes to them, have good reason to believe that an
effort is being made to establish control, in Japan's own interest, of
large areas on the continent of Asia and to impose upon those areas
a system of closed economy. It is this thought, added to the effect
of the bombings, the indignities, the manifold interference with
American rights, that accounts for the attitude of the American
people towards Japan to-day. For my part I will say this. It is my
belief, and the belief of the American Government and people,
that the many things injurious to the United States which have been
done and are being done by Japanese agencies are wholly needless.
We believe that real security and stability in the Far East could be
attained without running counter to any American rights whatsoever.

I have tried to give an accurate interpretation of American public
opinion, most carefully studied and analyzed by me while at home.
The traditional friendship between our two nations is far too precious
a thing to be either inadvertently or deliberately impaired. It seems
to me logical that from every point of view—economic, financial,
commercial, in the interests of business, travel, science, culture, and
sentiment—Japan and the United States for ever should be mutually
considerate friends. In the family of nations, as between and among
brothers, there arise inevitable controversies, but again and again
the United States has demonstrated its practical sympathy and desire
to be helpful towards Japan in difficult times and moments, its
admiration of Japan's achievements, its earnest desire for mutually
helpful relations.

Please do not misconstrue or misinterpret the attitude which has
prompted me to speak in the utmost frankness to-day. I am moved
first of all by love of my own country and my devotion to its interest;
but I am also moved by very deep affection for Japan and my sincere
conviction that the real interests, the fundamental and abiding
interests, of both countries call for harmony of thought and actio*
in our relationships. Those who know my sentiments for Japan
developed in happy contacts during the seven years in which I have