PACIFIC PEACE.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 May 1921, Page 5

PACIFIC PEACE.

ANGLO-JAPANESE TREATY. THE INTERESTS OF AMERICA. MR. MASSEYS VIEWS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received May 27, 5.5 p.m. London, May 27. The Morning Post says the renewal of the Anglo-Japanese Treaty is regarded by the United States as potentially opposed to American interests. Admittedly 1 it has hitherto been solely considered in relation to the Empire’s requirements. We may remind America (adds the Post) that Australia, which is a Pacific Power confronting all the Eastern Powers, demands the renewal as essential to Australasian interests. That consideration must be paramount, but it ought not to be supposed for a moment that this involves disregard of American sentiments. Mr. W. M. Hughes (Premier of Australia) shows he realises that friendship with America is a fundamental principle of, Imperial policy, and we believe, given the goodwill of all concerned, Mr. Hughes’ solution of the difficulty is perfectly practicable. Interviewed on his arrival in London regarding the Anglo-Japanese Treaty, Mr. W. F. Massey (Premier of New Zealand) said there was nothing to lose and probably much to gain by a renewal. All he desired was that any modification or alteration should be freely ventilated at the conference. As far as New Zealand was concerned, all she insisted on was the right to choose whom to admit as citizens. New Zealand was keenly interested in defence, and was already fulfilling the task of navally policing the Pacific Islands. She hoped she would bear a part in a co-ordinate defence policy.