JAPAN’S POLICY.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 November 1921, Page 5

JAPAN’S POLICY.

MILITARISTS DOMINANT. “REASON WILL PREVAIL” LIMITING- ARMAMENTS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Nov. 4, 5.5 p.m. New York, Nov. 3. An interesting statement has been made by ex-M mister Osaki at Tokio, who declared that Japanese militarists, while not so powerful as formerly, are still the dominant factor in controlling the policies and destinies of the country. They control the Press to a great extent. Even newspapers which editorially support disarmament, display in their news columns articles and inspired news stirring up the ‘nationalistic spirit. Japan is pictured in the Press as not only invincible, but always right, and the people are kept in ignorance by the suppression of news. Militarism received a stimulus without as well within, and the people had reached the conclusion that to make Japan great in excess of the Occident success must be gained by the use of I»he sword. Reason will prevail, but the people want proofs. The limitation of armaments should be based on some definite monetary basis. . For instance, it might be agreed that none but the great Powers should be allowed to spend more than 10 per cent, of their total Budgets for military and naval purposes, and the percentages could be slightly more with the smaller Powers, or a sum could be fixed on a basis of the average armament expenditure for a period of five or ten years prior to the war.

The world is moving rapidly in the right direction. Japan must not hesitate or falter or she will have ci use for regrets.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.