The Daily News. SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 1921. THE ANGLO-JAPANESE ALLIANCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 April 1921, Page 4

The Daily News. SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 1921. THE ANGLO-JAPANESE ALLIANCE.

A new and more favorable political atmosphere appears to have arisen in connection with the renewal of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, consequent upon a more accurate conception by Australia of the attitude of Japan towards the British group of nations and their interests in the Pacific. The latest pronouncement by the Federal Premier (Mr. Hughes) on this matter leaves no room for doubt that although the policy of a White Australia is as firm as ever, there is an increasing disposition to rely on Japan’s good faith, and a corresponding lessening of that obsession regarding the yellow peril. The Japanese authorities have, in the face of much provocation, taken the utmost pains to avoid being parties to any international quarrel, and have patiently endured much misrepresentation as to the aims of their country in the Pacific and elsewhere. They have also taken a dignified and firm attitude, as to their rights, and made it quite clear that they intend to justify the position of Japan as one of the Great Powers in relation to all international matters, while ready to co-operate with the other Powers in any practical scheme of disarmament. The contention of Mr. Hughes that the world’s peace depends firstly on the British Empire; secondly, on an Anglo-Franeo-American understanding ; thirdly, on the renewal of the Anglo-Japanese Treaty, is a tribute to the Federal Premier’s statesmanship, for it accurately expresses the only possible solution of the problem concerning the maintenance of peace. The London Times, in commenting editorially on Australia’s attitude as defined by Mr. Hughes, takes a broad and politic view of the situation, more especially as regards the question of naval superiority. After drawing attention to the fact that both America and Japan are rapidly building warships, the Times advances the view that “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,

though possibly such standai’ds no longer hold.” The possibility of even the thought of war between the navies of English-speaking nations is scouted, and it is asserted these nations cannot compete in armaments “without moral bankruptcy, which would be more ruinous than financial bankruptcy.” There should be general satisfaction throughout the Empire at the terms in which M. Hayashi (First Secretary of the Japanese Embassy in London), referred to Mr. Hughes’ statement as to the Anglo-Japanese Alliance: “Such a clear expression of opinion will have good results, and will be welcomed in Japan.” M- Hayashi is convinced that Australians will eventually recognise that Japan entertains no aggressive designs towards her. There are two convincing reasons why this conviction should become a firm reality —the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, and the participation of Japan in the covenant of the League of Nations. Japan does not dispute tlje right of the Dominions to regulate the admission or provide for the exclusion of foreigners. At the same time, as an ally, she naturally resents being placed in a more unfavorable category than the nations who recently fought against the Empire. It is a matter capable of adjustment on fair lines, always providing the interests of the Dominions are reasonably safeguarded by limiting the number of Asiatic emigrants. Japan needs trade expansion, and in this direction the Dominions can be of service by promoting and encourag-

ing inter-trade. A better understanding of this Japanese question appears to have been reached. There are plenty of troubles and complications within the Empire, so that it is extremely important to avoid in every way possible the erection of other troubles that can be averted by a right appreciation of the aims of friendly Powers, and if the Premiers’ Conference approaches the Pacific problems in a conciliatorj’ spirit, it may be the means of reducing armaments and promoting friendly relations that will make for worldwide peace, progress, and prosperity.