Chinese Question.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 May 1922, Page 1

Chinese Question.

SIR JOHN SALMONR’S VIEWS

'WELLINGTON, Afay 18.

Sir John Salmond, as the guest ol the New Zealand Ciuh, gave a large gathering to-day an important insight into the relation of the Washington Conference tp New Zealand interests, lie showed that the Pacific question is largely a Chinese question, and that the self-dellyiilg compact of the Great Powers in regard to that great country is a guarantee for peace in the Pacific. On tlie lsiint whether the naval coinpact reduces New Zealand’s responsibility for naval defence, he gave ail emphatic negative. “I don’t think,” he said, ‘‘there is one line in the Washington Treaty which would justify any colonial Government in saving a penny on naval defence. The question of how much any portion of the Emj>ire should s|ieii(l in the defence of the Empire .has nothing to do with the provisions of the treaty. The duty of tlie dominions is clearly to hear their fair proportion of the total expenditure oil the defence of the Empire, and that proportion is in no way affected by the fact that the absolute amount of British naval expenditure has been substantially reduced. I am satisfied that the Dominion of New Zealand in particular loeognisos its moral obligation to hear its fair share of the burden, which is a serious burden lying most heavily on the overburdened British taxpavers. Wo have acquired deservedly a reputation as one of the most loyal most British, most reliable of his Majesty’s Dominions, and I am satisfied we shall continue to hear that reputation. recognising our obligations to Britain notwithstanding any temptation I that may he afforded by the Washington Conference. THE NEW ZEALAND. ••One of the ships destined for destruction under the naval compact, continued Sir John Salmond, "is the New Zealand, which came within the definition of capital ships, being over 10.1)00 tons. She would have (lied in any case. She would have rushed into obsolescence in the course of a t>w vears, and we can view with <‘quanimitv the more glorious course wind now presents itself of being offered cs a deliberate sacrifice in the cause el reason and of peace.” < Applause). THE PACIFIC TREATY. Sir John Salmond pointed out that oven more important than the recorder. | results of the Washington Conference was that the association of the 1 owers | in that gathering must produce inter- j national trust and understanding. He I was particularly satisfied that the . rutted States. Japnn and Inc Hritishj Umpire bad been united m bonds ot mutual trust. The Pacific Treaty had replaced the A.iglo-Japancse alliance , which had outlived its usefulness am had been the subject of jealousy am . misunderstanding with the 1,11 t ’ t ; States, for there was no question that j tlie Dili tod States regarded that «llance as a menace to them. It was a source of gratification to Hum' that for tlie old alliance was substituted an agreement between four 1 owers that in all matters affecting their territorial possessions ill the Pacific will act in consultation and harmony. •■The Chinese question is the essence ~f t l.c whole Pacific- question, >•*'- dared the speaker.. “You may : '•' what was the necessity ol holding •» conference to deal with Roedic qu. stions wherein lay the possibility ol •' breach of international peace, d<only answer 1 can give is that the •' eilic question was the Chinese question. I have indicated that the dr organised condition of the Chinese Empire was a source of Jealousy, * ami ill-will be*ween the Great lows who laid territorial or industrial ambitious in that part ot the "mid. think the treaties made have got u l of that trouble ami have laid the oundations of peace in our quarter ol j-c world for many years to come. ‘ -M plauset.