ATTACK ON HAWAII

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12617, 30 November 1926, Page 6

ATTACK ON HAWAII

PLANNED FIVE YEARS AGO? JAPANESE DENY ALLEGATION “DEEPLY REGRETTED” By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian and NZ. Cablo Association. TOKIO, November 28. “Astounding news, if it were true,” was the comment of a War Office high official upon Washington dispatches, giving details of E. L. Doheny’s defence in the oil lease case. The defence contained an allegation that Japan, in December, 1921. ordered mobilisation for an attack upon Hawaii and the Philippines. “Certainly there is not a scintilla of truth in the statement, as not only tlio AVer Department of Japan, but also the whole world, knows that throughout the autumn of 1921 Japan was preparing for tho momentous Washington Conference, at which the Japanese delegates, under the Emperor’s instruction, participated eagerly in the agreements for ensuring permanent peace in the Pacific. It will be deeply regretted by the entire nation that such a mischievour and entirely false assertion can be uttered under the protection of tho United States Federal Court.” The publication of the dispatches caused a most painful impression, because it is believed that it indicates the continued existence of bitter antiJapanese propaganda in America, notwithstanding the sincere efforts made recently by tho Japanese leaders to demonstrate their desire for friendship, in spite of the Japanese Exclusion Act.