Japan Among the Great Powers

$3.50

AFTER a preliminary sketch of Japan’s international relations from b.c. 33 to a.d. 1853, the author gives an extremely able account of her diplomatic policies and measures down to the present time. The last two chapters sum up the case for her activities in Eastern Asia, and declare her intentions for the future. The case, as here presented, is understandable and has strength; the intentions expressed are by no means exorbitant. The author’s point is that if the Western Powers would inform themselves about the conditions actually prevailing in Eastern Asia and the circumstances in which Japan is actually placed — confronted with the threefold difficulty of a rapidly increasing population, exclusion of emigrant surplusage on all sides, and incessant trouble with inimical neighbors on the mainland — they would see that the diplomatic positions she takes are at least arguable. No doubt this is so. The book is not to be put down as vulgar propaganda. It appears to be a fair, careful, and informed statement of the situation as it presents itself to the national consciousness of Japan, and is therefore entitled to respectful and serious study.