POLITICS IN JAPAN.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 December 1921, Page 5

POLITICS IN JAPAN.

THE NEW TREATIES. OPPOSITION APPEARS. NEW PREMIER SAFE. By Talegraph.—Press Assn.—copyright. Tokio, Dec. 28. In the .Diet the Opposition opened an attack on the Government over the Washington Conference results, but without arousing popular interest. The first move was a resolution from the Independents denouncing the delegates for not discovering the views of the people of Japan before entering into agreements. So far as the Conference is concerned the new Premier appears to be safe, but lacking Mr. Hara’s political skill, some believe he may fall on domestic issues. The Cabinet discussed the question of the inclusion of Japan proper within the scope of the Pacific Entente. A division of opinion resulted in a conference on the question with the Diplomatic Advisory Council. This question is exciting small comment and so far the public are apparently indifferent. The newspaper Nichi Nichi Shimbun announces the decision of the army authorities to reduce the standing strength by 50,000 in 1923, also an economy campaign regarding equipment and uniforms in order to provide antiaircraft defences and other modern necessities. •

High officials have clearly indicated that Japan may refuse to ratify the Quadruple Pacific Treaty, unless reservations excluding the home territories of signatory nations are adopted. Japan insists that the treaty shall be construed to mean the protection of possessions alone.