FAR EAST QUESTION.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 114, 15 May 1924, Page 5

FAR EAST QUESTION.

FRANCE AND JAPAN.

IMPORTANT BEARING ON THE

FUTURE.

NEW YORK, May 14

The Tokyo correspondent of the "Now York Times" states that the official visit of the French Governor-General of IndoChina (31. Merlin) to Japan is causing considerable speculation in diplomatic circles and in the Press. It -was originally announced that M. Merlin's mission was chiefly concerned with an extension of the new FrancoJapanese trade treaty to include IridoChina, but the correspondent says he is reliably informed that it has another important purpose. He proceeds: "The Japanese Foreign Office contends that it has never been determined whether the Franco-Japanese treaty guarantees of 1907, under which territorial intejzrity of each other and of Asia was guaranteed, was abrogated by the Washington Four-Power Treaty. The latter abrogated the Anclo-Japanese alliance." M. Merlin will discvfss this question with the Foreign Office, which denies the rumour that a defensive Franco-Japanese alliance, aimed aprainst Germany • and Russia, is contemplated.

The Tokyo newspaper "C'orozu" says: "The Anglo-Japanese alliance is now past history, while our relations, with the United States and Russia are assuming a grave aspect. A Franco-Japanese rapprochement at such a juncture is highly desirable."

The "Asahi" says: "The Franco.Tiipanese treaty guarantees have done much toward the safeguarding of peace in the Far East."

A messape from Tokyo states that the Prime Minister (Baron Kiyoura) entertained M. Merlin and other French visitors. In proposing their health, he expressed the hope that France and Japan would enter into closer commercial relations thnt would cement the bonds between the two countries. M. •Merlin replied in similar terms.— (A. and N.Z. and Keuter.)