The Daily News. THURSDAY, JULY 22, 1920. THE JAPANESE ALLIANCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 July 1920, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, JULY 22, 1920. THE JAPANESE ALLIANCE.

lhe question as to whether the Anglo-Japanese Pact should be renewed, and, if so, on what terms, appears to be assuming an aspect which denotes the existence of very strong antipathy towards Japan in certain quarters. That the relations between Japan and the United States are strained is to put the matter mildly, but the hatred that is being exhibited in California is so bitter that it may be termed fanaticism. It is not necessary at the present time to examine the reasons for and the objects of the alliance between Britain and Japan, and how it has operated since its existence. The war and the League of Nations Covenant have created an entirely new atmosphere with regard to international pacts or treaties, and under the League no secret treaties are allowed to be entered into, so that whatever may be the nati ure and scope of any future treaty, it must have the approval of the League. There is one other vital point that must not be ignored, and tlfat is the new position to which the Dominions have attained by becoming partners in the Empire, and, as such, entitled to be consulted on all matters concerning Empire policy. This factor! is recognised, and that it will be utilised appears to be evident from the recent statement made by the London Morning Post's "Washington correspondent, "that before the Anglo-Japanese treaty is renewed the Premiers of the British Empire will confer, probably in Western Canada." Under the circumstances which now surround the question of renewal of the treaty, it is conceivable that Britain would prefer the Dominions to decide the matter rather than the decision should rest with her. Whether America joins the League of Nations or not, Britain would refrain from causing friction with the United States over such a vital question as Japanese immigration, or penetration, nor is it likely that the Dominions would Dt-efer the claims of JaDan to those

of America. The misfortune is that such a violent outbreak of anti-Japanese feeling has occurred at a time when it is desirable the treaty reneAval should be considered with strict impartiality. Every nation has the right to decide whether or not it will alloAv the people of other nations to enter and settle there; also to impose such restrictions as may be thought desirable or politic. Japan has become a "Great PoAver," and as such, claims to be treated on an equality Avith the other Great Powers. Moreover, Japan, is a naval and military nation with a dense population and intense patriotism, her one great need being outside territory Avhereon the process of expansion can proceed to Japan's advantage. The world of to-day is Aviser than it was in 1914, and Avisdom should engender caution, especially with regard to pacts or treaties. It may be asked: "Why does America object to Japanese immigrants ? The ansAver to this query will probably be that the Japanese are like a close corporation, except that, Avhere they settle outside their OAvn country, they rapidly multiply, and become dangerous competitors. History has a habit of repeating itself, and there seems to be a deeply-rooted belief that the Japanese may be advancing to that stage of power Avhereby they can over-run other nations. This, of course, is an extreme view, but it cannot be ignored when considering the likely effect of an unrestricted influx of Japanese to any country to Avhieh they are attracted. It is argued that the nations have not yet totally eliminated the menace Avhieh is associated with German militarism, and therefore dare not court a similar menace from another quarter. All the same, Britain and the Dominions should approach the question of alliance with Japan without prejudice, but not without utilising the lessons of the Great War. That Japan must expand either by peaceful penetration or other means appears inevitable. When? Where? Hoav? These are queries that the future must answer, but it may be assumed that they will not be lost sight of Avhen the Dominions confer on the treaty renewal question. The outstanding factor should be the draAving together of the great English-speaking peoples—an alliance which would be for the good of civilisation for all time, and such an alliance should not be endangered by any pact with another PoAver. The day of the yellow races may or may not come. All the statesmen of today can do is to look the position fairly in the face, and act in the best interests of posterity.