JAPAN AND BRITAIN

Southland Times, Issue 18815, 7 May 1920, Page 6

JAPAN AND BRITAIN

RENEWAL OF THE ALLIANCE,

WILL SAFEGUARD PEACE OF FAR, EAST.

BRITISH JOURNALISTS PLEA.

(By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.)

LONDON, May 5. (Received May 7, 12.30 a.ra.) The Daily Express’s Tokio correspondent states that a vital question in British world policy must be decided before July 20, as the Anglo-Japanese Alliance becomes terminable by either party on one year’s notice after that date. The British and Japanese Foreign Offices are already discussing the question. Japanese opinion hopes for a renewal. The Japanese judge the alliance by its value to them and do not complain if we apply the same criterion. Even jingo newspapers, which jeered at Britain during the dark days in 1916, are agreed on the need for a renewal. Those taunts regarding the one-sided nature of the alliance were merely an echo of the military party’s cocksure admiration of Germany and the open belief now is that Japan backed the wrong horse. Those taunts need not be remembered for ever. We would be fools to forget that the Japanese take an entirely realistic view of such commitments. The alliance can be a priceless safeguard of peace in the Far East, of the original purpose emphasised, namely the preservation by the Powers of their common interests in China, by ensuring China’s independence and the principle of equal opportunities. Japan has loyally fulfilled her alliance obligations as far as they related to her part in the war. There is a difference of opinion regarding the policy towards China, but there is now a most valuable opportunity for discovering definitely Japan’s aims in China and Russia. A renewal of the Alliance would give Japan an opportunity' of reversing the mistakes of her military party. A NEW AMBASSADOR. HONOLULU, May 6. 5 (Received May 6, 11.15 p.m.) According to a despatch from Tokio, the Japanese Government has unofficially decided to appoint Baron Hayhasis, at present Administrator of the province of Kwantung, South Manchuria, as Ambassador to Britain, succeeding Viscount Chinda.