In the Pacific.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 78, 23 March 1914, Page 5

In the Pacific.

ANGLO-JAP. ALLIANCE.

REPLY TO MR MASSEY.

[By ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH—COPYRIGHT]

ttuNiXti) ‘ Dress AssooiAnois.j (Received 11.50 a.in.)

Sydney, March 23

The Sydney Daily Telegraph, commenting on Mr Massey’s speech, states; it is‘undoubtedly a fact that British interests in the Pacific are safeguarded by the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, and no good purpose is served by refusing to admit it. it is not correct to say that Australia and Mew Zealand are protected by Japanese ships, and men like Mr (Jhurcnill do not say it, but no naval expedition from Europe need be feared. An attack by the United States is unthinkable; so, also, is an invasion by any or the South American Republics, it remains only for Japan—since China may be ruled out for some time to come—therefore, obviously, the Alliance secures satety. Speaking at Greymouth on Saturday night to some 1500 people, the Prime Minister (the Right Hon. W. F. Massey) referred to the speech made by Mr Winston Churchill in the House of Commons' upon the iNavai Estimates. Mr Churchill, in his statement as cabled, stated that the alliance between England and Japan secured the safety of Australia and Mew Zealand.-' “A statement like that,” commented Mr Massey, “does not appeal to me. It is ambiguous, and i do not quite know what it means. 1 do not want to do Mr Churchill any injustice, but if he means that the people of Australia and Mew Zealand (for the latter of whom i am speaking) are to bo satisfied with the protection afforded by Japanese ships and Japanese sailors, then Mr Winston Churchill is very much mistaken. 1 do not believe for one moment that the Anglo-J .qpanese Alliance has secured the safety of either Australia or Mew Zealand. Ido not think for one moment, and it is just as well for Mr Churchill to know that.”