ANGLO-JAP ALLIANCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 125, 26 May 1920, Page 5

ANGLO-JAP ALLIANCE.

OPPOSITION TO RENEWAL FROM BRITISH IN i (By Cable. —Press Asroclatlon.— Copyright.) (Eecetved 10.80 ajn.) PEKING, May 25. The question of the renewal of tho Anglo-il apanese Alliance ie exercising the minds of Chinese and foreigners alike. Unquestionably British opinion throughout China is practically unaniinoue against renewal, at all events in the present form, while regarding a modified alliance tho question is asked, Can Japan be depended on to carry out the i spirit of its provisions? It is argued ' that the alliance has not protected the integrity of China, while in the Japanese spheres in China equal opportunity is not given to other nationals; -also, that so Jar from the alliance strengthening the Liberal movement in Japan, it hag ■been one of the main sources of the power ■of thu Miltiarists, whose activities in ' Shantung, Manchuria and Siberia have ! undoubtedly raised the opprobrium of other nationals. In this connection it Is held that renewal would increase Britain's responsibilities. A further reason given is that abrogation would place Britain very high indeed in the good opinion of tho Chinese, who fervently hope that tho alliance will not be renewed. Abrogation would also remove the cankering suspicion of many Americans that the alliance is partly aimed at the United States, and that it shows British fears of American development.—(Reuter.^