JAPAN AND THE OVERSEA DOMINIONS
MEETING AND DEBATE (Rec. March 27, 8.15: p.m.) Paris, March 26. Mr. Keith Murdoch states that the Dominion representatives have discussed the Japanese representations to the Lea°u,e of Nations. In effect this representation was that the Japanese would waive the racial question in its direct hearing upon immigration, but reserved the Tight to bring up the principle of racial equality. Japan's attitude during the recent weeks has been one of extraordinary isolation. Her policy is to leave Europe to find its level, while she digs deeper into the Pacific and. Thus there is anxiety about Japan. It is telt that she may use the equality incident to withdraw from Europe. This would mean that she would fortify the Caroline and' Marshall Islands. ' Sir Kobert Borden suggested that the acceptance of some expression of racial equality is inevitable, and therefore proposed. an amendment. Mr. Massev (New Zealand) had asked whethor words could be added safeguarding the immigration and labour laws, thus giving the nations the right to make whatever immigration and' labour laws they pleased, into the text of tho covenant. . . General Smuts thought that no reference to such details could be embodied in the preamble. Mr. W. M. Hughes declared against abating one jot of tho opposition to any expression in the covenant against racial discrimination. By arrangement the Japanese representatives were present during tho later stages of the discussion, in which Mr. Massey. Sir Josenh Ward, Mr. Hughes, :and Sir Joseph Cook were absolutely united in opposing Sir Robert Borden's proposal. . The subject will now go for discussion before the League Commission, at which General Smuts will be the only Domin--ion representative present. This League Commission is rushing forward the covenant for inclusion in the Pence Treaty. It has suirronnded itself villi almost impenetrable barriers in order to avoid criticism. Discussions and even amendnieuts remain 1 uncirculated, and any plenary session which may be held before the peace terms aro presented to the Germans will not permit of talking or voting, but will bo held under enormous internal and external pressure for immediate peace. The Japanese Press Bureau explains that the amendment proposed to the covenant was just a broad statement of principle, providing for equal iiinl just treatment for all alien nationals of the League without racial discrimination — •United Service;
JAPAN AND THE "BIG FOUR" IMMIGRATION NOT A BURNING QUESTION. (Roc. Marc 2!i, O.L'.'i a.m.) Paris, March 20. •Vs tlie draft ins of the Preliminary Peace Treaty is niainlv a European concern, Japan lias not raised any objection to her omission from the meeting of the four Premiers. Japan is chiefly interested in pressing her claims for equality in the League of Nations. Al\liough' the question of immigration is <.ot given prominence in the present issue. it is certain to emerge later on. Immigration is not likely to be a burning topic in Japan for at lerst five years after the war. The "Big Four" apparently are working on tho basis of each presenting a draft of peace terms from their own viewpoint, and then co-ordin-ating these into a single document. The work already accomplished by the various commissions and tho Council of Ten lias done much to pave the way for the hew procedure—Aus.-N.Zj Cable Assn,
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Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 157, 28 March 1919, Page 7
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544JAPAN AND THE OVERSEA DOMINIONS Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 157, 28 March 1919, Page 7
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