PACIFIC TREATY.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 June 1921, Page 5

PACIFIC TREATY.

QUESTION OF RENEWAL, FAVORiED BY GREAT BRITAIN. SUPPORT FROM PREMIERS, By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received June 29, 9.40 p.m. London, June 28. At the Premiers’ Conference the discussion on the renewal of the AngloJapanese Treaty commences to-day. Memoranda have been prepared by ihe Imperial authorities and circulated, the Prime Ministers also supplying typed statements of the essentials of their point of view. Official papers set out the history of the Japanese treaty, tracing modifications and changes to the present and the inwardness of the existing conditions is revealed. The arguments for and against renewal are frankly disclosed. The Imperial view strongly favors renewal, the desire being expressed to preserve a well-tried friendship, which has stood both in good stead, and applying it to the solution of questions in the Far East, where Japan has special interests; yet where the Empire and the United States expect equal opportunities. The open door policy in China will also be considered with sympathy. It is understood the United States’ friendly co-operation is confidently expected. The Prime Ministers’ views are summarised as follows:

Mr. W. M. Hughes (Australia) has no doubt that the treaty cannot be renewed precisely in its present form, but the case for renewal is very strong, if not overwhelming. Mr. W. F. Massey (New Zealand) is quite prepared to support renewal, with modifications which he considers necessary.

General Smuts (South Africa) says: “If we are wisely guided at this juncture this conference may become a great landmark in history.”

Mr. A. Meighen (Canada) says: “I approach this question with a full sense lof responsibility and seeking to interpret what I believe is the prevailing opinion of my country.”—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.