JAPAN AND RACIAL EQUALITY.

Taihape Daily Times, 1 April 1919, Page 6

JAPAN AND RACIAL EQUALITY.

AN ACUTE DISCUSSION. _

PARIS, March 2(3

.Mr Murdoch states; The Dominion i representatives discussed the Japanese .representations to the League of Nations. In effect, this representation was that the Japanese would waive the racial question in its direct bearing upon immigration, but reserved the right to bring up the principle of racial equality. Japan’s attitude during recent weeks has been one of extraordinary isolation. Her policy is to leave Europe find its level while she digs 'deeper into the Pacific and China. Thus there is anxiety about Japan felt, as she may use the equality incident to withdraw from Europe. This would mean she would fortify the Caroline and Marshall Islands.

Sir R. Borden suggested the acceptance of some expression of racial equality as inevitable.

Mr Massey asked whothep words could be added safeguarding the immigration labour laws, thus giving the nations the right to make whatever immigration labour laws they pleased. General Smuts thought no reference to such details would be embodiefd in the preamble. Mr Hughes declared against abating one jot opposition to any expression in the covenant agaist racial discrimination by arrangement. The Japanese representatives wore present during the later stages of the discussion 'in which Mr Massey, Sir Joseph Ward, Mr Hughes and Sir Joseph Cook were absolutely uni told in opposing the proposal. The subject now geos fop discussion before the League Commission at which General Smuts will he; the only Dominion representative present. This League Commission is rushing forward the covenant fer inclusion in the Peace Treaty. It has surrounded itself with almost impenetrable barriers in opder to avoid criticism. Discussions, even amendments, remain uncirculated and any plenary session which may be held before the Peace terms arc presented to the Germans will ot permit talking or voting, but will be held under enormous internal and external pressure for immediate peace.

The Japanese Press Bureau explains that the amendment proposed to the covenant was just a broad statement of manciple providing equal and just treatment for all alien nationals of the League without racial discrimination.