A BANQUET

Hokitika Guardian, 26 February 1930, Page 4

A BANQUET

REFERENCES TO JAPAN

(British Official \Yireless).

(Received this day at 10 a.ra.) RUGBY, Feb. 25

Proposing tlie toast of the Japanese delegation at a dinner given in their honour by the Japanese Society, Mr A, V. Alexander (First Lord of the Admiralty) spoke of the naval associations of Great Britain and Japan. He recalled that from the days, fifty or more years ago, when British officers assisted in the training of the Japanese Navy right through the period of establishment of Japan as a leading naval Power, relations between the navies of the two nations had been of a most cordial character.

British administration and respect for the courage and efficiency of the Japanese navy had been greatly enhanced by the support and co-operation received from it during the Great War. It was not surprising, therefore, to find the Japanese delegation labouring seriously for the success of the present naval conference. “ We may not yet have completely adjusted our respective viewpoints on all Questions of details,” said Mr Alexander, '•but it is good to be able to record that we have already obtained a large measure of agreement, and T can express a confident hope that matters remaining for discussion between us will be brought to a satisfactory conclusion.” He was convinced all statesmen who would gather round the Council Board once more fliis week, would make continuous and sincere efforts to arrive at the end desired, and this would, lead to a further disarmament on land and in the air. 1