ANGLO-JAPANESE ALLIANCE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10603, 31 May 1920, Page 5

ANGLO-JAPANESE ALLIANCE

QUESTION OF RENEWAL DISCUSSED. By 1 Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright Published in "The Times." LONDON,, May 2S. The Tokio correspondent of “The Times” reports that tho Foreign Office states that tho Governments in Tokio and London have not yet discussed .tho conditions for tho renewal of tho Anglo-Japanese Alliance, although the time for giving notice of abrogation or amendment expires in July. It seems to be taken for granted that the revision of 1911 will bo allowed to stand and confidence in it is apparently reciprocated in London. The official calm in •Tokio is in striking contrast with the atmosphere of distrust which is resulting in newspaper speculations in Japan and abroad. Critics in the Far East are particularly prono to overlook the larger benefits of the Alliance, never greater than to-day. Abrogation of the Treaty would foster revolt throughout tho Middle and Near East, and play directly into tho hands of tho Bojs&eviks. Japan does not object to tho British Dominions consulting their best interests; hut regarding tho cabled report that Australia desires to be considered! before tho final decisions are reached, it is felt that tho Australian position could bo made clear 'without the creation of an erroneous impression that the country is wholly opposed to \ the Alliance.

In a similar way, tho nows from Washington overlooks the provisions made in 1919 to safeguard Britain and America. This has caused much heartburning in Japan, but the nation is now reconciled to' the limitation, and greatly desires good relations with America. It is not gainsaid that thoro is a widespread anti-Japanese sentiment in China and Russia, the effects of which cannot bo ignored. SHANTUNG PROBLEM. CHINA’S ANSWER. TO JAPAN’S OFFER. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. TOKIO, May 27. Tho War Office has received tho Chinese answer to Japan’s offer regarding Shantung. Tho answer is considered a refusal. It is expected that the status quo will bo permitted to continue.

CHINA'S DECISION. (Received Mav 30, 5.5 p.m.). WASHINGTON. May 29. Tho Chinese Legation announces that China has informed Japan that China refused to submit the Shantung question to direct negotiations with Japan.