The Daily News. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1922. JAPAN WILL OBLIGE.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 November 1922, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1922. JAPAN WILL OBLIGE.

Of late, the acute nature of the Near East problem has overshadowed the more peaceful problem oi* the countries bordering on the Pacific, matters in relation to which are being discussed at the pan-Pacific Conference. Whatever results may arise out of this gathering of delegates, it is not expected they will be immediately apparent, but it would seem there are encouraging indications of the Conference serving the useful purpose of obtaining a “greater spirit of co-operation, a deeper insight, and a fuller understanding tending to the general benefit of the peoples represented.” The cabled reports of the proceedings convey the impression that the various subjects coming up for review are treated in large measure academically, as if the desire of the delegates was to clear the way for practical steps in the near future. The special feature of the proceedings that should secure most attention by the Dominions concerned is Japan’s strong appeal for an unrestricted field of expansion, as set forth in the paper prepared by Dr. Tensakua. Had this paper been prepared by a “childlike and bland Chinese” it could not have been more eutely phrased. It would seem that Japan is greatly concerned about the development of the world’s natural wealth. There are tropical and semi-tropical colonies which need populating by industrious and enterprising workers; Japan has a plentiful supply of this commodity, and all she wants is “an open door” for Japanese immigration, the removal of restrictions, and the realisation by the Governments concerned of the necessity, for those developments which the Japanese can accomplish, and then Japan will oblige those Governments by populating the areas bordering on the Pacific, and undertake the work which the white people do not attempt. There may be some who do not see any reason why Japan should not pursue a policy of peaceful penetration and assist in developing the world’s wealth, but that is not the view wfeich is generally held either by European or American statesmen. The Japanese simply ask for an open door and no restrictions, and the reply is the erection of stronger barriers to her entrance. Naturally they only clamor the more insistently for admission. There are reasons why Japan ought not to feel aggrieved, not the least cogent of which is that no foreigner may hold land in Japan, while for all practical purposes the foreign laborer is excluded from that country. The Japanese are so intensely patriotic that they do not recognise naturalization by any country as denationalizing any Japanese. A Japanese, no matter what he does, cannot divest himself of his nationality. Such an ideal is worthy of commendation, but it is a potent factor in connection with the open-door policy. Experience has shown that where Japanese have settled, abroad they multiply at a very rapid rate, so that peaceful penetration becomes an alarming menace to the countries of adoption. There are in the Pacific areas quite a number which would benefit from development by Japanese, but it might be courting disaster to remove the restrictions against Japanese entry therein. It has also to be recognised that the dominant ideal of Japanese leading men is the ultimate growth of Japanese power not only as a nation, but as a world force. While recognising that Japan is entitled to her ideals, it is equally necessary to have regard to eventualities. The Dominions may thank Japan for her willingness to oblige by helping to develop their resources, but should be firm in. their guard of the door to prevent unrestricted immigration.