Anglo-Jap. Alliance

Hokitika Guardian, 13 July 1921, Page 1

Anglo-Jap. Alliance

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. SPEECH BY LLOYD GEORGE. LONDON, July 11. In the House of Commons, Mr Lloyd George spoke on the Japanese Treaty. He said it was desired to maintain close friendship and co-operation with Japan. It was also desired to preserve an open door in China, and to give the Chinese every opportunity for peaceful progress and development. Britain desired friendly co-operation with the United States. Upon these principles more than on anything else, depended the peace and well being of the world. In the Conference upon the Pacific question, China would be treated as an independent Power. In Japan, he said, Britain had an old Ally for 20 years the alliance with Japan bad not only benefit-tod Britain, but the pence of the Far East. China was an enormous country, with great potentialities. They would have to hear in j mind not only their own interests, hut the interests of Chinn. The object el their discussions had been to find some limit to the danger of heavy naval expenditure in the Pacific, and to re move those evils tending to limit development of Britain’s legitimate interests in the Far East.

He continued : “The Japanese Treaty will only lapse at the expiration of 12 months after notice has been given of its denunciation. It is the desire of the British Empire and of Japan that the agreement should be brought into com plete harmony with the Covenant of the League of Nations, and that where one is inconsistent with the other, the* terms of the Covenant shall prevailNotice to this effect has now been given to the League. Lord Curzon has held conversations with the American and Japanese Ambassadors and the Chinese Minister and has informed ihem of our Cabinet’s views. Now, President TTarding lias taken the momentous step of inviting the Powen to a conference on the limitation ,f armaments to he held in Washington in the near future. He has also suggested a preliminary meeting on the Pacific and Far Fnstern questions, he tween the Powers mast directly interested. President Harding’s act is on > of far-seing statesmanship.” (Cheers.)

AMERICA’S MOVE. LONDON, July 11. Mr Llovd George in the House of Commons, announced that Britain had received President Handing’s invitation to the associated and Allied powers to confer on the disarmament and Pacific questions. He said China had already replied favourably. No invitation had he said, been yet received by Japan, but there was good reason to believe it would lie invited in tbe same sense. Mr Lloyd George said tbe world bad been looking to tbe United States for a lead. Tie heartily wisffed it success. and no effort would be lacking fo nmke it so on tbe part of the Briii Empire. Turning to the Anglo-Japanese agreement. Mr Lloyd George said that, eertnin broad lines of government for Far Eastern policy bad met with general aceentaneo at the Imperial Conference. (Received This Dav at 19.15 a.m.) LONDON, July 12.

The “Morning Post” says w ( , have done what we could to ensure friendly relations among Pacific powers by eoneluding the Japanese Treaty. Wo would gladly see America. France and Ttalv added. Regarding the Anglo-Japan-ese Treaty America must acknowledge that i.n Britain, British interests must he first , as in United States, American interests are supreme. Tt is clearly to Hie interests of the British Empire to b n allied to a Japanese neighbour in the Pacific. Tt is yet to he demonstrated lliat tin' same alliance will not benefit. United States. The Imperial Conference testified to the essential unity of the Empire and sincere amity towards United States. Tt is not. unrlnlv difficult under these circumstances to reach the understanding that Massey has suggested.

(Received This Day at 9.40 a.m.) The “Daily Telegraph” states if United States, Britain, Australasian Do minions, France and Italy cannot roneertedly solve the Pacific problems, the position must be hopeless indeed. We do not believe it. is hopeless, but must not under-rnte Hie difficulties. Peace in the Pacific must be assured before disarmament is carried, for one depends on tbe other. That is why the Anglo-. Tap Treaty suddenly assumed an importance, transcending its modest provisions.