Anglo-Jap. Alliance.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 July 1921, Page 1

Anglo-Jap. Alliance.

BARON NATO’S VIEWS. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. (Received This Day at 9.40 a.m.) Toklo, July 12. Baron Kato, in a speech before the Kenseigai, of which he is leader, said i was not surprising that some should urge the abrogation of the Anglo-Jap-anese Alliance, since the measure was originally intended against Russia and Germany, and that necessity had now disappeared. The abrogation might not affect the friendly relations of the two countries but might make the people think something was wanting. Britain might find it necessary to increase hotnaval strength in the Pacific and if the Alliance were discontinued. Japan then also, would he compelled to increase her naval strength. He added that it an pears that opposition had been raised in China and United States, but it seems uncalled for. I am in a position to state, as one of the negotiators t of the Alliance, that the third party mentioned therein, dearly implied United States. Earl Grey insisted that United States should he mentioned. T took the same view, but the Foreign Department did not like the idea and Farl Grey ultimately yielded. There is no provision in the Alliance of complication with the- Anglo-American arbitration treaty. China may object to the use of the word China in the Alliance. Tt might therefore be alter'd to Far Fast. The Alliance contains nothing inimical to China’s sovereignty. Tt is deplorable that the Japanese Government is adopting a policy of extreme secrecy in dealing with the alliance, thereby causing a crop of unfounded rumours.

Baron Kato concluded —“It was clear the jAlliance continues automatically until abrogated.” He urged a renewal with modifications calculated to reassure China, and harmonising with the ! eague of Nations.