The Japanese representatives at the peace conference. led by Baron Makino. as the Senators will recall. in March. 1919. asked that a resolution be passed. first by the conference and then by the council. granting racial equality as a principle bdtween nationsa proposition which. upon its face. seemed to commend itself to idealists and philosophers. but when subjected to the test of practical application and experience. the serious character and purpose of the resolution at once became manifest. Therefore. at that time I took it upon myself to address the American delegation in Paris. at the same time informing. the western Representatives in Congress of the fact and inviting them to participate in the protest. The first telegram I sent to the American representatives read as follows: "MAmcC 20. 1919. "Japanese demand for free immigration and other privileges has aroused Pacific coast. Evidence of Japanese coming over border and contemplated land purchase by Japanese company in Mexico near California State line and enormously increased Japanese agricultural aggression have alarmed the people. These problems are domestic. and league constitution should under no circumstances concede Japanese demand. Japan now excludes Chinese coolies and has recently deported 500 such persons from Japan." The second telegram. dated March 23. was addressed to Lansing. Secretary of State. as follows: "Any declaration in constitution on race equality or just treatment may be construed to give jurisdiction to league over immigration. naturalization. elective franchise. land ownership. and intermarriage. and should be avoided. An affirmative declaration that these are domestic questions should be made in consonance with established American policy. Believe western Senators and others will oppose any loophole by which oriental people will possess such equality with white race in United States.
Identified stereotypes
Japanese immigrants are coming over the border and buying land, posing a threat to the American people.