BRITAIN AND JAPAN

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 210, 31 May 1920, Page 5

BRITAIN AND JAPAN

BENEFITS OF THE ALLIANCE EFFECTS IN MIDDLE AND NEAR EAST By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, May 28. The Tokio correspondent of "The Times" reports that tho Foreign Office states that the Governments in Tokio and London have not yet discussed the conditions for tho renewal of tho Anglo-Japan-ese Allinnce, although the time for giving notice of abrogation or ameudment expires in July. It seems to be iaken for granted that tho revision of 1911 will ho allowed to stand, and confidence in it is "apparently reciprocated in London. The official calm in Tokio is in striking contrast with the atmosphere of distrust resulting from the newspaper speculations in Japan and abroad.

Critics iu tho Far East are particularly prone to overlook tho larger benefits of the Alliance, never greater than to-day. Abrogation of the Treaty would foster revolt throughout the Middle and Near East, and play directly into the hands of the Bolshevists. Japan does not o'bject to tho British Dominions consulting their best interests; but :egarding tho cabled report that Australia desires to be considered before tho final decisions are reached, it is felt that the Australian position could be mado clear without the creation of an erroneous impression that tho country is wholly opposed to the Alliance. In a similar way, the news from Washington overlooks tho provisions mado in 1919 to safeguard Britain and America. This has caused much heart-burning in Japan, but the nation is now reconciled to the limitation, and greatly desires good relations with America. It is not gainsaid that thoro 'is a widespread anti.lapaneso sentiment in China fcnd Eussin, tho efi'ects of which cannot be ignored.—"The Times."