JAPAN AND AUSTRALIA.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1365, 16 February 1912, Page 8

JAPAN AND AUSTRALIA.

WARLIKE INTENTIONS ALLEGED. Australians in London arc astounded at the vovclntion of Japan's hostile intentions towards the Commonwealth, which was made at a meeting n'S'« ( ,fs'* a London cable to the Sydney bun of on the defences of the British Empire, Mr. Arnold White, the wellknown writer an dautliority on naval matters, declared (hut Japan had been forced to admit that she had designs on Australia. , ■ ~ -w The ambitious Oriental Power, Mr. White went on to say., now made no secret o£ the fact Unit in the event o) England being engaged m a struggle in (he North Sea an advance would be made on the Commonwealth. Mr White lidded that it was general y believed that hostile expeditions would Vβ dispatched as soon as the European war broke out. and that landings would lio effected at three main strategic points in Australia. ~ This announcement created a sensation among the Australians, although the few English officials present were not surmised They remarked that what Air. White had said was well within Ihe bounds of probability-in fact Japan could hardly be expected to neglect such an opportunity of acquiring territory that was absolutely necessary for her national expansion. When reminded that .Tanan was the ally of Great Britain, the English officials replied that there was a pretty general idea that the alliance would be adhered to. only when it suited the Asiatic partner. Mr. White's startling prediction has been the principal topic in Australian circles to-day, and alarm ami indignation are expressed at Hie apathy of both tho Imperial and Foder.il Gnvernmentstlie former for neglecting to provide a Pacilic squadron capable of checking any hostile foreign move, and the latter for djilyini with the all-important questions | ot immigration and defen-.e. Last night's meeting was presided over by Sir John M'Call, Agent-General for Tasinanh. and Ihnsj present included Captain Collins, Secretary to the Commonwealth mi London, Mi 1 . Stanifnrth Smith, Administrator of Papiw. Sir Newton Moore, Agent-General for West Australia, ami Dr. Bevnii, the well-known r;istor of ths Adol.iHe Congregational Ciiuijch.