THE TREATY WITH JAPAN.
DISCUSSING the question of the Auglo-Japanese Alliance in a speech shortly before his departure for London, Mr Hughes said Australia was not hound by any treaty which she did not ratify. The Australian Parliament had not assented to one of the conditions of the Japanese alliance, and technically was no more bound than if the treaty did not. exist. He said unhesitatingly that if (lie treaty were renewed in its present form —which, however, was impossible —it would not bind Australia to go to war with America, Germany, or any country in the world. When the question of the renewal of the Anglo-Japanese treaty was mooted some time ago, the Australian Government telegraphed to Britain that it hoped the matter would not be considered, without ample opportunity being given for the wishes of Australia to be ascertained. In October last he
had telegi-aphcd as follows to Mr Lloyd George: —“In my opinion it is absolutely essential that the Dominions’ Prime Ministers should meet in London next year. We ought not, in fact' we dare not, allow ourselves to drift any longer. The necessity for a clear understanding of policy, call it what you will, on certain matters vitally affecting the Empire' is urgent and obvious. I know, of course, that the difficulties in the way of a common foreign policy arc many and formidable. But Empire problems are , many and complex. They clamour for settlement, and I feel quite sure that as time goes on a solution will be less easy. I most earnestly recommend that you should call a meeting of Dominions’ Prime Ministers next year in London, about June.” There was nothing to submit to the people with regard to the Anglo-Japanese Treaty. Long before the people of Australia could approve or disapprove, there would be a treaty. If they did not approve, it would not alter the position in any way. Whatever Great Britain did, he said unhesitatingly that there was no possibility of Great Britain going to war with America. The people of Great Britain would not allow it. On his return from England, if the treaty, as drawn up and agreed to, was not satisfactory, Parliament could say that it would have none of it.
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Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2278, 19 May 1921, Page 2
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374THE TREATY WITH JAPAN. Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2278, 19 May 1921, Page 2
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