The Daily News. TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1921. RELATIONS WITH JAPAN.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 August 1921, Page 4

The Daily News. TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1921. RELATIONS WITH JAPAN.

In his recent statement regarding the work of the Imperial Conference, made to the House of Commons, Mr. Lloyd George laid considerable stress on the manner in which Japan should be treated by the Empire. He certainly has no half-hearted views on this important matter, and he was as generous towards Britain’s ally as he was decisive as to what justice demanded by way of recognition of the services Japan has rendered to the Empire. One of the reasons why Japan’s policy is viewed askance by the Dominions is because it is only regarded from a one-sided aspect, and is credited with ulterior motives, the chief of which is that she has designs on the Dominion;; as tempting areas for the /settlement of her people. There exists a certain amount of fear on this matter.. but the element of danger is nbn-existent. No words could more fittingly express the nature of the that should exist between the Empire and Japan than those used by Mr. Lloyd (George when he said: “The British Empire must behave) like gentlemen.” To those who comprehend the full and tirue meaning of this term, the British Premier’s meaning will be perfectly clear. Apart from courtesy,; honor, and purity of mind, the term “gentlemen” as envisaged liy Mr. Lloyd George evidently combines the attributes of Socrates and Antoninus, firm and uniform in their friendship, not given to reproach people, nor suspicions sophists, while attributing only worthy motives to others, instead of ignoble. What could he mo>re pertinent than Mr. Lloyd George’s query: “Was it suggested that Britain and the Empire (after unanimously recognising that the Japanese treaty had been faithfully and loyally observed duririg the war), should now turn iron nd and say: ‘Thank you for the trouble you have taken, but wire don’t want you any longer’?’'’ A thousand times “No.” Japart has earned her title to be respected and trusted,

even by America—certainly by the British Empire. Against the suspicions which are held in some quarters as to Japanese aims has to the placed the peace of the world, it being admitted on all sides that Japan will play an important part in that good work. The British Premier does not see why it is impossible for Britain to iulfil her obligations to Japan and at the same time observe a spirit of. fraternity with America. Such a policy is not only possible, but necessary. It rests with the United States either to put forward valid reasons to the contrary, or to combine with Japan in solving the problems in the Pacific. America has her obligations as well as Britain, and So have the Dominions, the greatest of all being adopting the course which will be “a guarantee for the peace of the world in the surest way.” The matter is one that demands removal from the atmosphere of petty jealousies and placing on the higher plane of British justice and toleration. The surest way to create serious complications and make an enemy instead of a friend of Japan is to treat her wish with suspicion and as a menace to the Empire. There is only one honorable policy to adopt, and that has been accurately defined by Mr. Lloyd George. “The British Empire must behave like gentlemen.” There is an infinity of philosophy and policy in that sound advice, and if it were universally adopted by the nations there would be ro need for treaties or alliances, and the League of Nations would become a mere assembly for the interchange of views on international matters. America has now come to the conclusion that the conference on disarmament should be preceded by the consideration of matters concerning the Pacific. Once this Pacific problem is satisfactorily solved the greater portion of the trouble that might well have been expected to arise over reducing armaments will disappear, thus creating an atmosphere favorable for a successful and satisfactory agreement in the interests of permanent peace. It is a blot on present day civilisation that so many millions of money which is urgently needed for useful and progressive purposes should be wasted on war equipments merely because of suspicion and mistrust, and it is sincerely to be hoped that a new era is about to dawn on the world, and that the insane wastage of the past will be replaced by a concentration of peaceful progress, wherelby alone can the nations develop their resources and work out their destiny in a friendly spirit one towards the others, secure from hostile interference, and bent only on raising the status of the people so that they may enjoy the blessings of peace.