THE FAR EAST.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 July 1921, Page 2

THE FAR EAST.

JAPAN’S ATTITUDE

QUESTION OF CHINA’S FUTURE

ACSTUAIJAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION

(Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, July 18

The “Morning Post’s” Far Eastern correspondent states Japan’s hesitation in replying is easy to .'understand. There is a natural reluctance to submit the future of Eastern Asia to what Japan regards as Anglo-American arbitration. Eo r some years Japan has leen trying to assume a Monrde Doetrine for Eastern Asia. Some have even suspected her of trying to claim hegemony. At any rate she does not desire to create a precedent of calling in a third party to a discussion between herself and Chi-a. inst as United States would resent the nresenco of a third party, Japan for instance, in a discussion regarding Mexico or South America.

.Japan equally dislikes the idea of a third party interesting herself in China. Mnnd and United States should come to a definite conclusion whether they claim any share in determining the future of Eastern Asia. England and Fnited States must decide if they have any interest in China, which they are not willing to leave to the judgment of Japan. If they have, now is the time to state them. It would he a fatal M„nder to allow Japan' to go on being deceived, supposing she can create and rmrsue an independent policy, apart from the Covernments.

Tt is safe to say the English speaking peoples of all lands do not acree that the opportunity should he seized for bringing England, America and Japan ot agree upon a common policy, not only regarding the Far East in general, hut China in particular. Tn Ja panose eyes the peace of the Pacific depends on what extent the western nations interfere between China and Japan. What the western nations demand should lie laid down in black and white. If Japan is left to herself, there will he a perpetual possibility of trouble. Tt is simply a matter of lettin<r Japan know that, in certain aspects of the Ear Eastern problem, England and America are equally concerned with Japan, and an agreement be'tween the big three should benefit rather than menace China. '1 he-latter requires generous sympathy and practical help in establishing a stable Government, extending efficient education and gaining freedom to exploit her territorial resources untrammelled by foreign interference. She can get tins only" through the whole hearted support of her friends. There must be an agreement of an effective kind, if peace is to he secured in the Pacific.

labour rx JAPAN

A RIG UPHEAVAL

It RUT Kit’s TELEGRAMS

(Revived This Day at 10.15 a.m.) , TOKTO, July 19. The labour situation is much more serious, due to the refusal of Tokio directors of Mitsubishi shipyard to decide to any of the demands demanded b v the delegation of labourers from Kobe, and refusal of the War Ministry to treat with the usual employees; also the dispatch of troops to Kobe. Kobo delegates and local leaders decided to proceed with nation wide organisation of labour despite laws to the contrary and to launch a nationwide campaign of labour versus capital. along semi-Soviet lines. There is a possibility now of strikes involving two hundred thousand workers in Tokio alone. Government, if* handling the situation gingerly, endeavouring to avoid tho line of troops end possible bloodwidespread movement gravely.