BRITAIN AND JAPAN

Southland Times, Issue 18832, 27 May 1920, Page 5

BRITAIN AND JAPAN

RENEWAL OF THE ALLIANCE

HOSTILITY IN CHINA,

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

PEKIN, May 24

The question of the renewal of the AngloJapanese Alliance is exercising the minds of Chinese and foreigners alike. Unquestionably British opinion throughout China is practically unanimous against a renewal at all events in the present form while regarding a modified alliance the question is asked; ‘'Can Japan be depended on to carry out lbs spirit of the provision"?”

It is argued I hat the Alliance has not protected the integrity of China, while in Japanese spheres in China equal opportunity has no! been given to other nationals; also that far from the alliance .strengthening the 1 beral movement in Japan it has been one of the main sources of the power of the militarists, whose activities in ' Shantung, Manchuria and Siberia have undoubtedly excited the ill-will of other nationals. In this connection it is held that (he renewal would increase Britain’s responsibilities. ,

A further reason given is that abrogation would place Britain very high indeed in the good opinion of the Chinese who fervently hope that the alliance will not be renewed. Its abrogation would also remove the cankering suspicion of many Americans that, the alliance is partly aimed at the United States and that it shows British fears of American development.