The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 1919. RACIAL DISCRIMINATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 April 1919, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 1919. RACIAL DISCRIMINATION.

Although recent cable messages have contained exteiisive allusions to Japan's efforts to amend the League covenant with a view to prevent discrimination against aliens "who seemed advanced enough and were qualified to become members of the League," the exact position taken up by Japan doeß not appear to be clear. Simple as the problem appears to be, there ate complications which render a solution that will be satisfactory to all the countries concerned extremely difficult, and that is probftblX why the matter has been

deemed to be "domestic," and therefore beyond the scope of the ' present covenant. Manifestly to ' adopt the policy of leaving the question of racial equality undetermined is a convenient way of preventing friction at the Conference table, but it is quite conceivable that japan may feel her dignity suffers by the obstinate persistency of the United States and Australia in their antagonism against Japanese emigrants. A late cable from New York throws a side light on the situation by giving the views of the Chicago Tribune's Paris correspondent, who states that it is believed Japan is aggrieved at the failure of her initial effort to secure freedom for Japanese emigration to the United States, and that Australia, Canada and Britain support President Wilson against Japanese immigration. For a long time past the Commonwealth has insisted on a "white Australia," the fear of Japanese immigration being very pj-onounced, while America appears to be equally apprehensive. At the same time it was stated a few days ago that Japan herself had virtually settled the question by preventing emigration. The question naturally arises as to whether the Japanese claim to racial equality is to be regarded more as a point of national honor thaii an interiiationfil principle, otherwise it is difficult to reconcile the statement that it never entered the minds of the Japanese delegates to utilise the amendment to press for a solution oi the immigration question and that the equality paragraph should not be confused with immigration. There can be no misconception on the effect of the Japanese proposed amendment, if carried, would open the door to unrestricted Asiatic immigration. Neither America nor the Dominions are prepared to countenance such a step, which would' certainly lead to industrial ,troubles of considerable magnitude. There is no feeling of antipathy against the Japanese in adopting this attitude. On the contrary, they have earned a high place in the esteem of the cations, but there is no likelihood of any closer intercourse being acceptable. No white man can compete with colored labor, so that unrestricted Asiatic immigration would speedily close the door to a large extent on European immigrants. The fact is that blood is thicker than water, hence the Strong feeling towards keeping British blood pure. It may be Urged that if Japan was worthy cf entering into an alliance with Britain for preserving and safeguarding their respective interests in the East, and bearing in mind the valuable aid rendered by Japan to Britain during the war, that Japan was also Worthy of having her_ people treated on an equality with the British as regards immigration, but Britain's first duty is to the units of her Empire, so that if the white population of the Dominions is endangered by cheap Eastern labor that white population must be safeguarded even if it involves a charge of race prejudice. That Japan should receive some territorial or other compensation for her war services is only fitting, and it will still be open for her to extend her trade and add to her industrial and commercial prosperity. In connection with the hearing on this matter of the An-glo-Japanese alliance it is interesting to note that the Chicago Tribune's Paris correspondent points out that, apparently, the British are finding the Japanese alliance irksome, and will welcome the League of Nations covenant as abrogating existing treaties, allow- , lag England to part company with ; Japan amicably. This may be looked iy)on as special pleading, set forth to convince Japan that she is virtually isolated. There is no need to adopt such a course, for Britain's friendship with Japan is a Reality, and the ques- , tion of immigration can be settled without involving the, adoption of tactics that savor of cunning. The whole point turns on protecting white labor against unfair compe- _ tition, and the conference has wisely _ decided that this is a domestic matter which requires no interference on the part of the league.