NOT PROPAGANDA.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 111, 13 May 1938, Page 11

NOT PROPAGANDA.

NEW CONSUL'S MISSION

ATTITUDE OF JAPAN.

MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING,

"The friendship between New Zealand and Japan has grown since the first Japanese warship visited your shores about 50 years ago/' said Mr. Kiichi Gunji, Consul-General for Japan in the Dominion, when he was entertained by Hon. Eliot R. Davis at luncheon yesterday. Members of the Auckland consular corps and Chamber of Commerce representatives were guests, also the Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis.

Those present included Mr. J. B. Ferguson, acting-Consul for Belgium; Mr. J. MeKenzie Wilson, Consul for Chile; Professor R. M. Algie, Consul for Czechoslovakia; Mr. Cyril Ernest Tudehope, Vice-Consul for Finland; M. Andre Pouquet, Consul for France; Mr. N. Heath, Const* , for Latvia; Captain F. Bauer, Vice-Consul for the Netherlands; Senor Don Simon Quiros y Quiros, Consul for the Republic of Panama; Mr. George H. Baker, Consul for Peru; Mr. L. D. Nathan, Consul for Fiji and agent for the Government of Fiji; Mr. J. T. F. Mitchell, Consul for Sweden; Mr. J. G. Groeninger, Consul of the United States of America; Mr. W. F. Bull, Canadian Trade Commissioner; and Mr. R. P. Bower, assistant-Canadian Trade Commissioner. The Chamber of Commerce was represented by Mr. A. Ely (president), Mr. A. G. Lunn (president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand) and Dr. E. P. Neale (secretary). Friendship Through Co-operation. Mr. Gunji said that the friendship between the two countries had been cemented by co-operation during the European War, while more recently trade relations had been growing rapidly, with a regular steamship link.

"My Government, considering these happy relations, decided to open a Con-sulate-General, which was strongly recommended by Mr. Debuchi, who visited New Zealand nearly two years ago," said Mr. Gunji. "Mr. Debuchi was very much impressed by the kindness and hospitality of your Government and people.

"When the Japanese Government was considering this matter, there was a fairly strong opinion that a station of consul was enough by virtue of the fact that New Zealand is smaller than Australia, trade is not so extensive, and Japanese residents not so numerous," said Mr. Gunji. However, the Japanese Government held the view that whether a consul or an consul-general was sent was not solely decided by the size of the country or the volume of trade. It should be decided by the status of the country. The Government considered that New Zealand had exactly the same status as Australia in the British Empire, and as there was a eonsul-

general in Sydney there should be a representative of the same title and capacity in this country. Mutual Understanding. Mr. Gunji said his mission in Xew Zealand was not at all aimed at propaganda in international politics, but had as its objective mutual understanding and real friendship, as well as the fostering of commerce between the two countries.

Hon. Eliot Davis expressed the hope that the personal contacts would prove beneficial \n developing trade- between Japan and New Zealand. The Dominion had had an advantage during the last few years as far as the balance of trade was concerned, the last tSiree years showing a favourable balance of between three and four million pounds. Exports to Japan in 1937 totalled £3,131,980, compared with £1,600,000 in imports. He added that his visit to Japan last year had been a delightful experience. The Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis, extended a warm welcome to Mr. Gunji. "I hope you will see the necessity for us all to live in amity and peace," he said. "While in the Dominion no doubt you will have an opportunity of observing our democratic ideals. There is no reason why the wonderful fraternal feeling that existed 20 and 30 years ago between Japan and Britain should not be renewed."

Mr. Ely, chairman of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, said that Mr. ■Gunji had come to the Dominion at a very difficult time, and while New Zealanders could not realise conditions in Japan, it was fully understood that such a huge population must look for sources of revenue beyond its shores. He welcomed the new consul-general and expressed the hope that his appointment would be to the further advantage of both countries. This being the first official gathering Sir Ernest Davis had attended since his election, Hon. T. Bloodworth proposed a toast in his honour, which was enthusiastically honoured.