Tsfational Committee on American Japanese Relations 1924 287 Fourth Avenue New York STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF THE COMMITTEE ON AMERICAN JAPANESE RELATIONS THE United States and Japan have for two generations maintained unique relations of mutual considera- tion and good-will. The earliest treaty pledged "perfect, permanent and uni- versal peace, and a sincere and cordial amity between the United States and Japan and between their peoples re- spectively without exception of persons and places." The return by the United States to Japan of the Shimonoseki In- demnity (1883), the generous gift by Japan to San Francisco for the relief of suffering at the time of the great earthquake and fire (1906), the mutual agreements by the United States, Japan and other powers for maintaining the peace of the Pacific and for limiting nayal building programs, the relief funds sent by America for sufferers in Japan by earthquake and fire, and other acts on both sides have through- out the decades manifested the spirit and fulfilled the mutual pledge of that first treaty. GROWING contacts and intimacy of relations have brought to light questions of exceeding diflSculty result- ing in ominous states of mind and feel- ing. They are questions concerning the significance of race difference, im- migration, assimilation and naturaliza- tion, treaty rights, population and ter- ritory, relations with China, economic competition and national policies. On all these matters there is much misun- derstanding in both countries and no little positive misinformation. Unethi- cal practices also on both sides of the Pacific aggravate the situation. These questions manifestly require careful, broadminded and impartial considera- tion. They cannot be stated, much less can they be solved by offhand, popular dogmatism. y^AUSES of irritation must not be left to work out their inevitablv disastrous consequences. Courageous and loyal patriots in America and in Japan must face the facts. They must insist that all matters of difficulty can and should be settled by reason, conference and conciliation. Steps should be promptly taken in both coun- tries to provide the people with the needed information, and to secure the necessary changes in the national mind. "Sincere and cordial amity" must be maintained, misunderstandings removed, wise policies adopted and appropriate legislation enacted in both countries. THIS Committee on American Jap- anese Relations has been formed in order to attain these ends, in so far as their attainment depends on the people and Government of the United States. We rely on enlightened leadership in Japan to take corresponding action in that land. International good-will be- tween America and Japan depends on what America and Japan both do. We both must practice the inescapable prin- ciples of right international relations. Deeds are what count, not words. For the attainment of the ends thus defined, this Committee adopts the fol- lowing statement of objects, and urges its wide endorsement by American citi- zens and organizations. PROGRAM 1. Cultivation of an informed and rational public opinion in the United States in regard to Japan, inspired by a friendly spirit and sympathetic un- derstanding of her needs and problems. 2. A square deal for Japanese in the United States. 3. Specifically we propose : (a) To oppose actively the jingo, anti-Japanese agitation in the United States by frank and scientific discussions of the problems involved. (b) To advocate the cultivation of friendly relations, both for their own sake and for their effect on American-Japanese friendship, between each of these nations and the govern- ment and people of China and the other countries of the Asiatic mainland. (c) To advocate the adoption of a new treaty between the United States and Japan, to take the place of the present Gentlemen's Agreement, pro- viding 1. That on the part of Japan the further issue of pass- ports to those coming to the TJnited States for per- manent residence be rigid- ly restricted; All communications and checks should be sent to Sidney L. Gulick, Executive 2. That on the part of the United States privileges of citizenship be granted to all who personally qualify. (d) To urge the enactment of ade- quate federal legislation for the protection of aliens and for the enforcement of their treaty rights, as urged by Presidents Harrison, McKin- ley, Roosevelt and Taft. (e) To urge the recognition, either by treaty or by legis- lation in Japan, of the right of expatriation, so as to abolish the evils of dual citi- zenship of children of Jap- anese parentage born in the United States. (f) To correspond with societies and persons in Japan who believe in settling internation- al difficulties by conference and mutual consideration and in accordance with our existing arbitration treaty with Japan, and to co-oper- ate with them in urging both countries to adopt policies, make treaties and enact laws bearing on international rela- tions, based on justice and good- will. Secretary, 287 Fourth Ave., New York City NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON AMERICAN JAPANESE RELATIONS MEMHRHS Gho. W. WicKF.usHAM Chnirwcin Hamilton Holt Vlcc-Chalrman Edwin G. Meiirim Treasurer LiNi.EY V. GoiinoN Secretary CiiAHi.ia H. Levkkmoue Secretury Sidney L. Gulick, Executive Secretary Henry A. Atkinson NnilEMIAII BOYNTON F. S. BllOOKMAN Artiiiih .J. BiiowN John Bates Ci.ark StKI'UKN r. DUOGAN Mrs. J. Mai.coi.m Forbes James H. Franki.in Wri.i.iAM I. Haven Jami'/S G. McDonald Mrs. William F. McDowell Paul Monroe Frank Mason North George A. I'l i mi-ton laNDSAY R(/SSKI.I. Pennei.i. p. Tuunkr HONORARY MEMBERS (Partial 1 List) Jane Addams John Grier Hirhen James R. Angki.l OiTo H. Kahn Geoh