The Guardian AND EVENING STAR, With which is incorporated “The West Coast Times.” WEDNESDAY, JULY 27th., 1921. PACIFIC PROBLEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 July 1921, Page 2

The Guardian AND EVENING STAR, With which is incorporated “The West Coast Times.” WEDNESDAY, JULY 27th., 1921. PACIFIC PROBLEMS.

AC( ohnino to recent cable messages sent out from Japan by the correspondent of the “.Morning Post”, the core of the Far Eastern problem is the Japanese ideal of ail Asiatic Monroe doctrine. This ideal Japan, he finds, after full consideration of Ministerial opinion, official and unofficial, and public opinion of all shades, is determined to enforce and maintain —as determined on the Asiatic side as the United States in on ilio western side. Of this, nothing cxui be stronger illustration than the .Japanese statement oi tile American view of the Monroe doctrine, which is that, in a dispute concerning allairs in Mexico or South America, the Dnited States will never allow the arbitrament of a third party. Japan, at the same time ,according to this authority, does not go so,far as to refuse negotiation or discussions. She only affirms the principle that the new Monroe doctrine must fie respected whatever may happen. 'The affirmation of the principle is followed by a plea for complete frankness of statement. Do Britain and the United States claim

the right to take part in settling the fate of the Far East What, in fact, is j* that they do claim? f.et the statement lie made definitely and ideally.

and without delay, and Japan will give it the fullest consideration. This is a

demand for “all the cards on the table face up.” Something seems to have been sard somewhere, by way of objection. to the presence ati any conference of British oversea, representatives. This

emphasises the error of the many com- ; incuts unwisely mnde lifter the signnI tnre by oversea British representatives ,/ the’ greet Pence TrwtJes, ■ About

this difficulty, comments a Wellington paper. Mr Massey lias spoken with (.00.1 sense, having, in fact, done much to overcome the dilficulty by Ids suggestion that the overseas men may be present at the Conference summoned by the American President only as part of the British delegation. It is practically an admission that the new status of the overseas Dominions of Britain is a tiling internal of the British Empire, not directly touching external affairs at all. Their views may influence the British Imperial decision, and therefore, may very well be express ed at first hand by any internationally binding only by the Imperial delegation This seems the best, way out, as Air Massey put it, and if the view is acted upon, the new status of the Dominions will not stand in the way of the settlement of the great Pacific problem. The root of the problem is, as the above-named correspondent has pointed out, tho Japanese ideal of an \datie Monroe doctrine. The Japanese readiness to discuss the mattei after affirming the above principle is made clear hv the demand for frank statement of what it is the two English speakers really stand for. . The Japanese need for a Monroe doctrine is, candour compels us to admit, justified |,v the brief, inglorious career of the “spheres of influence” policy. That Japan and Britain ha.ve come to agreement about their relations in the Far East was demonstrated long ago by the Anglo-Japanese Treaty, and that the agreement practically continues i« prov-

.■} bv the attitude of both regarding the renewal of the Treaty. The fact is proof that these two Powers are agreed about the Asiatic Monroe doctrine. It is nearly as clear that the agreement Joes not involve the admission of Japanese subjects to British dominions. That, in fact, is not touched at all by a Monroe doctrine .which can only apply to things upon Far Eastern territory. This consideration clears the air so far as British dominions are con_ corned. That Japan is ready to consider an agreement with the other Eng-lish-speaking Power on the basis of the Monroe doctrine is clear from two things: (1) The evpressed desire for a statement of requirements; (2) the mention at great length of China. The second is the main thing, foi* whatever the requirements may he of the United States, they refer chiefly to China and the development of things Chinese eastward and northward 1 , all of which are notorious. China is referred to by the Japanese in very careful, diplomatic language, which says nothing unpleasant. hut unmistakably as a country to be pitied, but not partitioned. Its door may be opened, but its boundaries are not to lie altered.