ed
into two sections, containing the policy advocated by the Japanese
secret society, called the Black Dragon Society, which is said to have
assumed that name on account of the members (military officers) having
studied the situation in the Heilungchiang (or "Black Dragon") province
of Manchuria. The memorandum is the most remarkable document dealing
with the Far East which has come to light since the famous Cassini
Convention was published in 1896. Written presumably late in the autumn
of 1914 and immediately presented to the Japanese Government, it may
undoubtedly be called the fulminate which exploded the Japanese mine of
the 18th January, 1915. It shows such sound knowledge of
world-conditions, and is so scientific in its detachment that little
doubt can exist that distinguished Japanese took part in its drafting.
It can therefore be looked upon as a genuine expression of the highly
educated Japanese mind, and as such cannot fail to arouse serious
misgivings. The first part is a general review of the European War and
the Chinese Question: the second is concerned with the Defensive
Alliance between China and Japan, which is looked upon as the one goal
of all Japanese Diplomacy.

PART I. THE EUROPEAN WAR AND THE CHINESE QUESTION

The present gigantic struggle in Europe has no parallel in history.
Not only will the equilibrium of Europe be affected and its effect
felt all over the globe, but its results will create a New Era in
the political and social world. Therefore, whether or not the
Imperial Japanese Government can settle the Far Eastern Question and
bring to realization our great Imperial policy depends on our being
able to skilfully avail ourselves of the world's general trend of
affairs so as to extend our influence and to decide upon a course of
action towards China which shall be practical in execution. If our
authorities and people view the present European War with
indifference and without deep concern, merely devoting their
attention to the attack on Kiaochow, neglecting the larger issues of
the war, they will have brought to nought our great Imperial policy,
and committed a blunder greater than which it can not be conceived.
We are constrained to submit this statement of policy for the
consideration of our authorities, not because we are fond of
argument but because we are deeply anxious for our national welfare.

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