JAPAN'S TRADE POLICY.

Taihape Daily Times, 15 April 1918, Page 3

JAPAN'S TRADE POLICY.

ADMIRAL SATO DRAWS A LESSON FROM THE WAR. Vice-Admiral Sato, President of the Imperial Naval College of Japan, in the January number of the Japan magazine, discusses one aspect of naval policy in which, he believes, his country might learn a useful lesson from England, whose wise navigation laws and increased naval armaments led to her expansion and progress after supplanting Holland as a great naval Power. “The present circumstances of Japan,’ ’he writes, “being much like those of England in those days, justify her in adopting a similar policy, especially as regards navigation laws. The matter is now pressed upon the notice of Japan as never before. The veto of exports of steel to Japan by the United States is perhaps the greatest single blow.that Japan has ever received. And ever-increas-ing prices are harassing our people until complaint is loud against the Government for failing to find a remedy. “It is but natural that Japan should enforce a protective Navigation Act at home; and she must take every opportunity to encourage her industries by such Acts, just as' Britain did. Of course, if we push this policy too much collision with foreign nations may be inevitable, and to avoid or prepare for this we should at the same time ensure powerful armaments. Japan’s policy should include sufficient armament to protect her everincreasing wealth and back up the justice of her cause. By this means she can attain the position of a great Power, impregnable in its justice and armed strength. This is the principle that Japan must ever keep before her as she ponders on her defences. “The present is the best time for Japan to consider this matter and lay her plans for the future. The Navigation Acts that have done so much for Britain were artificial, but the present war is a natural Navigation Act for Japan, of which she should take the fullest advantage.”