The Pacific Problem

Hokitika Guardian, 11 June 1921, Page 2

The Pacific Problem

THE CHINESE VIEW 7 STATED

austuauan and n.z. cable association.

LONDON, June 10. Interviewed by the “Morning Post” Mr Lennox Simpson, Political Adviser to China, emphasised the point that if the Anglo-Japanese Alliance is renewed, without settlement of the questions -outstanding between China and Japan, it must mean that Britain is willing to sacrifice China in order to insure her x position in the Pacific. China realises Britain was in a tight corner in. 1917 when she was forced to acquiesce in the secret treaties with Japan concerning Shantung, but now she can do as she pleases in the far 'East. A deference to the Chinese viewpoint may have serious consequences with China. He believes that the Anglo-Japanese.agree-ment is regarded aS an instrument for the protection of Australia. This I. ridiculous, toeoausf the Alliance can last only a few years, if Japan really has designs on Australia, the latter cannot five or ten years hence be in n position to defend herself, but no one in China believes Japan contemplates an invasion of Australia. -Everyone, he says, knows Japan never takes a leap in the dark. If she started, a creed of conquest, her first objective would bo the chain of, islands of Borneo, Suma- v, tra and Java. The difficulty in connection with Shantung can be settled before the 13th. of July if Britain brings China and Japan together London, assisting them to discover a basis for an understanding. Shantung is to China what Alsace was to Prance. Mr Simpson said that during his recent visit to the United States he found that while no American statesman says a renewal of the' Anglo-Japanese Allianoe would be an unfriendly act they aT think so. 3 Mr Simpson is convinced that the Canadian Premier will refuse to agree to anything harmful to British American relations. ' "He ndds that a strong anti-British feeling is now manifesting itself China. It is only kept in check hv the authorities’ exhortation to the people to suppress any demonstrations of hostility unless really provoked.