PACIFIC PROBLEM.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 October 1921, Page 5

PACIFIC PROBLEM.

AMERICA AND JAPAN. PERIL OF DISAGREEMENT. INFLUENCE OF BRITAIN. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Oct. 11, 5.5 p.m. London, Oct. 10. The Daily Express, continuing its discussion on the Pacific problem, points out that if there is any question of not paying the United States the money we owe, Britain will be accused of using American money to build battleships against the United States. Another difficulty the British Empire has to face is the possibility of a divergence of opinion between Canada and Australia. Canada's sympathies are with the Power which also objects to Oriental immigration, but Australia is .far away and fears that if war is not averted the first shock will fall on her unprotected shores. The best naval opinion, however, considers that this natural nervousness is not warranted. Japan would be operating far from her bases, with the American fleet on her flanks, and such a move on Japan’s part would be courting a naval “Moscow”. It should, therefore, be easy for Britain to satisfy Australia that she is not in real danger, and that the British Empire and the American Republic can give her a guarantee against invasion. The position, therefore, is that America will be satisfied that her debt will be paid, Australia will be convinced that she is protected, and Japan will believe Britain’s ancient sympathy will not be wanting to enable her to effect a reasonable settlement. Britain should, therefore, be able to exercise a decisive influence.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.