PACIFIC PEACE.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 April 1921, Page 5

PACIFIC PEACE.

ALLIANCE WITH JAPAN. ATTITUDE OF THE POSITION EXAMINED. By Telecraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright London, April 8. The Times, in a leader, attaches the utmost importance to Mr. Hughes’ definition of the Australian attitude towards the Japanese alliance and naval defence. It declares that the speech should recall this country, which is overburdened with local troubles and European complications, to a realisation of the world position of the British group of nations. Both America and Japan are rapidly building warships. If the old standards of sea power are still valid the Empire must reconcile itself to losing its claim to unchallenged superiority. In the Pacific, which is now the principal ocean, possibly such standards no longer hold the relations wherein empires and States stand. With America and Japan they form a more important consideration. Britain’s nature, also that of the Dominions must undergo an almost dedpniac change before the thought of war between the navies of English-speaking peoples emerges from the region of fantastic incredibility. As far as Japan is concerned the leader states that Australia and New Zealand have not forgotten nor are likely to forget 'their services in securing their shores against the Germans. <The doors of the Dominions are closed, however. They naturally invite etivioUs eyes, but Japan may recollect that the Same applies to India ata well as Japan, which may have a sodthing influence. Mr. Hughes decidedly states that Australia is favorable to renewing the Anglo-Japanese alliance. Highly important is his claim that the world’s peace depends first on the British Empire, secondly on an Anglo-French-American understanding. and, thirdly, on the renewal of the AngloJapanese Treaty. These are axioms for the English-speaking world, which cannot compete in armament without moral bankruptcy which would be more ruinous than financial bankruptcy.—-Times Service. A JAPANESE VIEW. FRIENDSHIP WITH DOMINIONS. Received April 10, 5.5 p.m. London, April 8. M. Hayashi (First Secretary at the Japanese Embassy in London), commenting on Mr. Hughes’ speech regarding the Anglo-Japanese alliance, states that such a clear expression of opinion will have good results, and will be wel-. corned in Japan. While the alliance lasts Japan was bound to remain on friendly terms with the Dominions, and he was convinced that Australians would eventually realise that Japan entertained no aggressive designs towards her.—Aus.ana N.Z. Cable Assn.