REPORT OF THE COMMISSION ON

RELATIONS WITH JAPAN

The Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in Japan, the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America, and the Federated Missions of Japan have been for several years cultivating a relationship of mutual esteem and practical cooperation.

It was, therefore, natural that American missionaries in Japan should express to the American Federal Council their concern regarding relationships between the two nations. The procedure leading up to the appointment of the commission was as follows:

I.

Memorials from Japan

A message was received from American missionaries in Tokyo, formulated under the date of April 24, 1913:

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED AT A MEETING OF AMERICAN MISSIONARIES OF TOKYO, YOKOHAMA, AND VICINITY, APRIL 24, 1913

As American missionaries resident in Tokyo, Yokohama, and vicinity, we have viewed with deep solicitude the news concerning the proposed land legislation in California, and deprecate any discrimination against the Japanese lest it mar the historic friendship between Japan and America, and work injury to both countries; therefore,

Resolved, That we appeal to our missionary constituency in the homeland, to the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America,

to the Federation of Churches in California, and to the Christian public sentiment of the nation in favor of just legislation.

Resolved, That we express our sincere appreciation of the earnest efforts of the President of the United States and the leading men of both countries, and record our firm belief that the true public sentiment of both lands will support them in securing an equitable and mutually satisfactory settlement.

Resolved, That copies of the above resolutions be sent to the Charge d'Affaires of the American Embassy in Tokyo, the Governor of California, the presiding officers of the two houses of the California legislature, and to the officials of the above-named religious organizations; also to the Associated Press and to leading newspapers in Japan.

This message was sent out through the Associated and religious press.

The following communication and resolutions were also received from the Japan Mission of the American Board: Professor Shailer Mathews:

DEAR SIR:

At the annual meeting of the Japan Mission of the American Board, just closed, the enclosed resolutions were passed, and the undersigned were appointed to forward the same to you and to make them known to the press. These we understand were cabled to America on June 6.

We would call attention to the remarkable statement made by many able Japanese, that the fundamental solution of this question is to be secured, not by adjustment of treaties, nor by modification of laws at the request of Japan, but only by the activity of the Christions of America. Count Okuma recently stated in a public address that "Diplomacy, or law, or statesmanship will not work in this case; the power of Christianity-the teaching of the brotherhood of all men and universal peace-alone will save the threatening situation. Christianity is stronger in America than in any other country, and the concerted action of Christian workers here and in America will achieve what we all have at heart."

Early in April, almost as soon as the trouble began to be acute, many dailies published short articles either asking what the missionaries were doing about it, or suggesting that they should be appealed to for aid in influencing American thought. The last issue of the Shinjin (New Man) contains an editorial by Mr. Ebina, one of the leading pastors and Christian publicists of Japan, to the effect that a fundamental solution cannot be reached so long

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as Japan adheres to her traditional ancestor worship and superstitious religions.

Mr. Ebina also argues, together with many others, that the Japanese must give up the view that naturalization in the United States is treason to Japan. Just as a bride or an adopted son, in becoming loyal to the new family is not disloyal to the old, so a Japanese who becomes an American citizen, and even one who goes to the length of fighting for the United States against Japan, is not thereby disloyal to his mother country. Rather he exalts the honor of his land which taught such a devoted spirit.

It is our earnest desire that the Christian forces of the United States may be effectively utilized in the solution of this problem, for it is not merely a political or legal question. It concerns in a vital way the world-wide interests of the Kingdom.

It is not for us to discuss detailed methods of solution, but there are one or two points to which we would call attention. The experience of the Hawaiian Islands in race relations and assimilation affords a most instructive lesson as to what is possible, and also as to wise methods. If a commission is appointed to study this question, we venture to suggest the name of Rev. Doremus Scudder of Honolulu as one eminently fitted to serve.

From our experience in Japan we are convinced that there are no insuperable obstacles preventing the assimilation of Japanese to our Occidental life, provided the right moral, linguistic and educational conditions are secured. Japanese immigrants yes, all immigrants-should be encouraged to learn English, and facilities should be provided for this even at state or national expense. Only as immigrants come to know English can they really enter into our civilization and attain to real understanding of our modes of thought and life. At the same time they might also be taught something as to American methods and ideals of government and religion. This is particularly needful in the case of Orientals, because their inherited conceptions and methods in these matters are so radically different from ours.

Many Japanese are saying that the only solution of the present difficulty is for the United States to grant to the Japanese the right of naturalization. We are not so sanguine of satisfactory results by this single step, for so long as Japanese immigrants do not know English they must live and work in groups or gangs, a condition which in itself prevents assimilation. If, however, naturalization is granted only to those who qualify educationally, substantial results are certain.

The entire problem is, however, one of great intricacy, as we well know, hence our suggestion that a commission be appointed to study it carefully from the Christian standpoint and to devise ways and means for its solution.

Praying for rich blessings on the entire work of the federated churches, we are, on behalf of the Japan Mission of the American Board,

The following resolutions were adopted by the Japan Mission of the American Board at its annual meeting, June 3, 1913, in regard to the relations of the United States of America and Japan:

Whereas, The universal establishment of the kingdom of God requires the attainment of right relations between nations on a basis of justice and equality, and

Whereas, The effective proclamation of the gospel of the kingdom in Japan depends closely on the maintenance of friendly relations between the peoples of Japan and the United States, and

Whereas, The presence on the Pacific Coast of large numbers of Japanese laborers is the cause of difficulties that from time to time give rise to discriminating race legislation tending to disturb the historic friendship of these two countries, and

Whereas, Unfriendly race legislation is likely to be repeatedly attempted so long as the difficulty is not met by some thoroughgoing solution; therefore,

Resolved, That this mission appeals to the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America, suggesting

(1) That it appoint a commission to study this whole question in its relation to the teaching of Christ, and

(2) That it seek to rally the Christian forces of the United States for the solution of this problem and for the promoting of such measures as are in accord with the highest standards of Christian statesmanship.