PACIFIC DEFENCE.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18261, 20 December 1924, Page 17

PACIFIC DEFENCE.

CONFERENCE PROPOSAL TO

BE KILLED.

"COMPLETE ACCORD" BETWEEN

U.S.A. AND JAPAN

(BI CABLE—JSESS ASSOCIATION—COPTEJGHT) (AUSTSAIJA.V AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.)

(Received December 19, 0.40 p.m.)

WASHINGTON", December IS.

The Administration to-day prepared for quick action to head off Mr Britten : 6 resolution.

High officials deplored aa untrue and. dangerous his statement that Japan was preparing for war, and said that the feeling between the two Governments was one of complete friendliness and understanding despite the efforts of ill-advised groups in each country to stir up trouble. Mr lirittcu's statement that the attitude of Japan before the League of Nations in opposition to the principles of America was the justification for the resolution is challenged, officials insisting that Japan's attitude towards the League Arms Protocol was not aimed at the United States. One Administration leader said: Japan, in fact, is the only Power with which this Government has no disagreement at tho moment. There are several matters upon which we are negotiating with Great Britain, France, Italy and others, but with the Japanese Government we arc in complete accord.

(Received December 19th, 10.35 p.m.)

Administration officials admit that the exclusion of Japanese immigrants from the .United States is still used by certain elements in Japan to stir up hatred, but tho Japanese Government, while deploring the form of the cxclusion Act, "which "was opposed by Prcsident Coolidgc also, considers the matter closed.

Tho officials declare that a new spirit of co-operation has arisen in the Par East, under which Japan, Britain, and tho United States are working together for the solution of problems in tho Pacific. Any conference of white nations, as proposed by Mr Britten, would destroy that co-operation, and would play into the hands of the belligerent elements in each country which seek to emphasise the possibility of a conflict between, tho white and yellow races. The administration leaders emphatically state, on tho basis of careful official reports, that tho Japanese Government does not want, and does not expect, war with tho United States, and is actively pursuing a policy of peace. Inflammatory statements in. Japanese newspapers aro attributed to the agitation here for a bigger Navy and to anti-Japanese propaganda, which, in ail exaggerated form, is quoted in the Japanese Press.

[Mr Britten, a member of tho House of Representatives Naval Affairs Committee, speaking at a public dinner, announced that ho would introduce a resolution in the llouso requesting President Coolidge to call a Conference of all the white races in the Pacific. He said: Japan's open preparation for war is the reason why the poople surrounding the Pacific should have a definite defensive policy for their mutual protection, and tho quicker that' is done the better.] FRIENDLY RELATIONS STRESSED. (by cable—ruEss association—copyright) (AUSTttAIiAK. AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION,] WASHINGTON, December 18. Government House, whose , officials have been puzzled and somewhat disturbed by the agitations over United States and Japanese relations, took occasion to bespeak an era of most cordial relations between tho two countries. Mr C. K. Hughes, Secretary of State, departing from precedent", issued a formal statement taking notice of the appointment of Mr Matsudaira (ViceMinister of Foreign Affairs) as Ambassador here, and welcoming him as a step towards the further cementing of the friendship between Tokyo and Washington.

Mr Matsudairi, in an interview, statol that he would strive his utmost to promote friendly relations between America and Japan. Ho asked for the co-operation of tho Japanese Press in his attempt to solve the proolems between the two countries.