BRITAIN AND JAPAN

Southland Times, Issue 18855, 22 June 1920, Page 5

BRITAIN AND JAPAN

RENEWAL OF THE ALLIANCE. BARON KATO ON AUSTRALIA'S OBJECTION. (By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, June 21. (Received June 21, 5.5 p.m.) The Daily Express's dokto correspondent interviewed Baron Kato regarding the renewal of the Alliance. Baron Kato said that Australians seemed to imagine that it would open the floodgates of immigration. The Alliance had existed for twenty years, and Australia had had absolutely no trouble on that score. The correspondent said that, in view of her war services, Australia’s voice must be heard. Baron Kato asked how the Australian armies could have fought without the Japanese navy 7 Australia was consulted at the last renewal of the Alliance, and fully approved of it. He admitted that the Alliance now served no specific object. The widespread desire for it was based on the fear of isolation rather than specific danger. Its renewal was an act of mutual prudence. If the Alliance were not renewed Britain and Japan would drift into cool relations. An cany decision was unattainable, bur the negotiations w«*re proceeding in the friendliest manner. Japan thorough ly realised the necessity for consulting the Imperial Conference and she League of Nations.