ANGLO-JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2407, 12 March 1915, Page 6

ANGLO-JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP

THE FUTURE OF TSING-TAU. Tokio, December 14. The magnificent reception accorded General Barnardiston, the.leader,.of the ese are in the British side' of 1 the war of T6ing-tau, : on his arrival, in Tokio . showed how much interested the Japanese are in the British' side of the war with Germany. The. British General was met at the Tokio Station by a brilliant array of. officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Ministers of the Army and Navy. and a host of other officials, while thousands of school children,lined the way waving .the flags of Britain and Japan ana cheering the nation's guest, the gates and doorways all along the way Being draped with the Union Jack and the flag of the Rising Sun. / ' In the Imperial Diet now in session international questions; continue to occupy the foremost place', ■ more. especially the question as to Japan's disposal of Tsing-tau and how far the nation's prestige will be enhanced-as an out-' come of her part in tlie war. The Minister of Foreign Affairs has been subjected to an onslaught of interpellations as well as violent attacks on the score of his foreign policy, being childed with unbecoming reticence with regard to the. Government's intentions respecting Tsing-tau. But Baron Kato has surprised even the boldest of ; his opponents by the frankness of. his replies. In response to the'query, whether the Government 'had committed itself to a.ny foreign Power with regard to the disposal of Tsing-tau, the Foreign Minister uttered a firm negative/ while\ his explanation of the Government's understanding of the meaning of the ultimatum to Germany was significant. The question put by a member of the Diet was in this form: "Does not the clause in the ultimatum' to. Germany, .referring to its final restitution to China, bind _the actions of Japan?" To tixis Baron Kato replied as follows: —"Not at all! . Allien the ultimatum was issued the sole object was to take T'sing-tan from Germany to ensure the peace of the Far East. The restitution of Kiao-Cbau after a campaign was. not thought of nor referred to in 1 the d<k;ument." As this suggests a view somewhat different fr°m the opinion entertained abroad it will doubtloss give rise to considerable discussion. —"Morning Post."