TRADITIONAL FRIENDS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 420, 31 July 1928, Page 1

TRADITIONAL FRIENDS

BRITAIN AND JAPAN PRINCE TAKAMATSU INTERVIEWED Prince Takamatsu, who is one of the Japanese Emperor’s six brothers, came aboard the Idzumo for the official calls. A young man of medium size, and smiling face, he sought to avoid most of the attention that inevitably came his way. One of his aides announced that his Highness had no objection to being interviewed, but being perhaps, a little nervous of his English, the interview was typewritten, and the Prince stood smiling in the background when it was handed over to the Pressmen. The Prince, in his message, said he was glad to have come to New Zealand. one of the the great British Dominions he was visiting during the cruise.. “Though my stay is unavoidably short,” he said. “I look forward to acquiring as much first-hand knowledge of New Zealand as possible. I have often heard that New Zealand resembles Japan in many respects, and I am sure I will feel specially at home. " "The happy relations that exist between Great Britain and Japan, and accordingly between the British Empire as a whole and Japan, are those of very long-standing, and our friendship is traditional. “I sincerely hope and believe that these relations will last lor ever. I am particularly glad to hear of the new trade agreement that has just been concluded between our Governments I am sure this will bring about not only closer trade relations, but still more intimate intercourse between us in general."