BRITAIN AND JAPAN

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 207, 27 May 1920, Page 5

BRITAIN AND JAPAN

ARGUMENT AGAINST RENEWAL OF ALLIANCE OPINION IN CHINA IN FAVOUR OF ABROGATION By Telegraph-Profs Association-Copyright Peking, May 21. The question of the renewal of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance is exercising the minds cf Chinese and foreigners alike. Unquestionably British opinion throughout China is practically unanimous against its renewal, at least in its present form; while, regarding a modified alliance the question is asked: Can Japan be depended upon to carry out tho spirit of its provisions? It is argued that the Alliance has not protected the integrity of China, while in the Japanese spheres in China equal opportunity is not given to members of other nationalities. It is also urged that far from the Alliance strengthening the Lil> eral movement in Japan it has been one of the main sources of power to the militarists, whose activities in Shangtung, atanchuria, and Siberia hove undoubtedly raised the opprobrium of other nations. In this connection it is held that renewal of tho Alliance would increase Great Britain's responsibilities. A further reason given is that abrogation ivohldl place! Brffcainl very lui\sh indeed in the good opinion of the Chinese, who fervently hope tho Alliance will not be renowed. Abrogation of the Alliance also would remove tho cankering suspicion held by many Americans that the Alliance is partly aimed at the United States, and that it 6hows British fear of American development.—Eeuter.