JAPAN AND THE ALLIES.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 July 1916, Page 2

JAPAN AND THE ALLIES.

VISITING ADMIRAL'S VIEWS. "JAPAN" WILL ALWAYS BE LOYAL." Admiral Matsumura, who jommands the Japanese Training Squadron at present visiting Australian waters, was interviewed at Sydney on the 20th inst. Admiral Matsumura said: Mapan has every confidence, in the ultimate result of Hie ivar. Japan will always be loyal to her Allies. We are an honest people. We are true to our pledges. We have cur traditions. ' They enjoin upon our people that they ,nust be honest. We pride ourselves on that. As with Great Britain so with Japan; we stand for the freedom of all peoples. In Japan there is absolute freedom of religion. We do not stop people from coming into our country. They can enter with the greatest freedom. Foreigners arriving in our country are not a danger, but an .idvantage Their civilisation spreads and grows. We welcome otiiei people Our armies and fleets are only for the purpose of maintaining the freedom of our people, and We are not as a mennce to any ration. We are so anxious to be friendlj with every nation, f don't think a reduction of armaments will be practicable. There will always be jealousies—no, not jealousies; but nations are proud. The war, horrible as it is, has resulted in a uetter mutual understanding between you and us. and this good feeling is improving rapidly,day by day. Trade between you anil us will expand, too, bemuse trade with Germany must be reduced. , The two countries are very near, and will exchange goods." Questioned as to what will happen to the Carolines after the war, His Excellency replied: 'J cannot say. The climate is so hot that Europeans do not like living (here. Sonic Japanese might; but I myself would not like to live there. Japan is not looking for fresh colonies. We have plenty of room to expand mi. There is Manchuria, Formosa, and Korea. We already have plenty of places to settle our own people. We dsivt want them 'to settle into foreign countries. Japan is a staunch friend. Japan to-day is like one huge arsenal turning our munitions and military equipment for Russia. She lias also lent arlilleij instructors to Russia." The declarations of war on America by Mexico was also referred to, but the Admiral said he did not think it could materially affect the European War, Possibly it might restrict to a sligli' extent the supply of munitions and foodstuffs for the belligerents, but that was all. He did not wish to express any opinion on the subject. "The relations between Japan and America have improved," he added. "Tliej are very good indeed. In fact, the Japanese relationships with ali the nations except the Central Powers are of the most friendly diameter. The difficulty with China only requires time to be settled amicably. It is a great pity indeed that President Yuan Shih Kai died."