BRITAIN AND JAPAN

Hokitika Guardian, 31 May 1920, Page 2

BRITAIN AND JAPAN

By Electric Telegraph—Cop.,' ight.i 'LONDON, May 29. The “Times” Tokio correspondent reports: Tile 'Foreign Office states that the Governments at Tokio and London have not yet discussed the conditions of the renewal of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, although the time for giving notice of the abrogation of the amendment expires in July. It seems to be taken for granted that the revision in 1911 will be allowed to stand. Confidence therein is apparently reciprocated in 'London.

There is official calm at Tokio, which strik|ingly contrasts with the atmosphere of public distrust, resulting from newspapers speculations. It exists in Japan and abroad. Critics in the Far East are particularly, 1 prone to overlook the fact that any benefits of the Alliance were never greater than today. It is alleged abrogation would foster a revolt throughout the Middle and Near East and would play directly, into the hands of the Bolsheviks. Japan does not object to the British T)n minions consulting their best interests. However, regarding, the cabled report Austmli- “-•ires to be considered before the final decisions are reached, it is felt that the Australian position conic! bo made clear without the crea tion of erroneous impressions that the country is wholly opposed to to the Alliance. !

Similarly the news from Washington overlooks some provision made in 1919 safeguarding Anglo-America. This has caused much heart-burning in Japan, but the nation is now ,econeiled to such a limitation. That Jannn greatly desires good relations with America. is not gainsaid.

There is a widespred anti-Japanese sentiment- in China and ‘Russia, the effects of which cannot be ignored. •