The Hawera Star. FRIDAY, JULY 4, 1924. JAPAN.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 4 July 1924, Page 4

The Hawera Star.

FRIDAY, JULY 4, 1924. JAPAN.

Delivered every evening 6y 5 o’clock in flawera, Manaia, Okaiawa, Eltham, Mangatfki, Kaponga, Awatuna, Opunake, Otakebo Manutahi, Alton, Burleyvifie, Pa tea, Waverley, Mokoia, Wbakamara, Okangai, Meremere, Fraser Road, and Ararata.

Iu Victorian times Japan and the East became countries of interest to many people in England,'and a curious fascination and romanticism were attached to them. The geisha, the kimono, the Mikado, Japanese fans anil various things connected ' .with the country and its people became well known in England, while those who had the means made trips to the Bast to view the scenery of Japan and to learn more about her people' and their customs. Naturally the Japanese learned much from the visitors from the West, and being remarkable imitators they soon adopted many of the Western ideas, and, wonderful progress has marked their history during the last half century, not only in trade and commerce, but in education and science, and to-day Japan isj an, important Power. Fortunately, the wisdom of those responsible for Great Britain’s foreign policy has enabled the Empire to maintain the closest friendship with the Japanese, and though there', was much said in pre-war days about the Yellow peri] threatening the Pacific, Japan proved a very good friend and ally of the Western nations during the struggle with Germnay and her allies. Japan was able to assist, and willingly did assist, in the cause of Right against Might, and to her is due great credit for that work. But the acceptance of assistance from Japan, as in the case.of India, raised very difficult problems, and one is that which the United States is facing’ at the present time. The white people inhabiting the various parts of the British Empire know how difficult it is to deny Indian citizens the right which they claim to settle in any other part of the Empire.. The objections which white people raise are easily understood by them, but Indians cannot see these matters in the same light. Similarly, British people can appreciate the feeling in the United States which has led to the passing of the Japanese Exclusion Act. Reports from Japan show that the people are angry, though they are restrained from acts, against citizens of the United States who are living in Japan. The United States appears to he determined to enforce the la,w, and there is a danger that it may lead to even more serious friction between the two nations than has hither-: to been shown. We do not think that either nation has any idea of going to war over the matter, but in a case such as this it may easily happen that one thing will lead up to another, and that it may ultimately be difficult to avoid a clash. Everyone hopes that some way out will be found, but it is difficult to see what it will be unless Japan is prepared to concede to America the right to admit only those people whom she desires s to have as residents. But if Japan accepts that position it seems only fair that America will have to accept similar restrictions by Japan, if the latter decides upon such a course. From what one can learn of Japan and her people, she has no aggressive ambitions towards other nations, though she is keen to be a Great Power, working out her destiny along the lines of Western civilisation. The incidents which have been .recorded since the Exclusion Act was passed are not looked upon as representing general hostility by Japan towards America, but it is certain that the people are very disappointed and that much depends upon the American attitiide upon the question after the Presidential election in November. I 1 util then the Japanese Government, whjch has already made a dignified protest representing the feeling of all parties, is prepared to wait. Meantime we may be sure that behind the scenes British diplomats will be using their influence in the direction of maintaining friendly relations between the United States and Japan, and it is to be hoped that the British Empire will be able, to retain, the trust and confidence which both nations have in our national ideals of justice and freedom. War between the United Stal.es and Japan would be a terrible catastrophe for all nations interested in the Pacific, and we do not think that it will occur, lor neither side would have anything to gain which could not be gained by peaceful conference and arbitration. No doubt the reports from botli countries on the problem which is likely to prove most difficult will be followed very closely by the citizens of all nations, especially Australia and New Zealand, to whom events in the Pacific are of special importance.