Japanese And Germans

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 157, 29 March 1941, Page 15

Japanese And Germans

“The Japanese have much in common with the Germans. Both countries conceive that they are predestined to dominate a large part of the world. Both are martial races endowed with physical courage and a natural aptitude for war.

“Neither is content to leave the British Empire to develop in peace. Germany threw down the challenge a year ago. Japan, in spite of very conflicting interests, by which I mean that no less than 75 per cent, of Japanese exports go to the British Empire and the U.S.A., has now signed a 10-year military, political, and economic pact with the Axis for mutual assistance if attacked by a Power not at present engaged in the war. In view of the special reference to Russia, this must refer to the U.S.A.

“Neither Germany nor Japan has ever understood what the British Empire signifies. It is so alien to anything within the conception of the Japanese that I doubt whether they ever can understand it. When I was in Japan from 1934-37 they were still hoping to play off one part of the Empire against another. When a trade war started . with Canada, a complimentary mission was sent to Australia and New Zealand. They tried to force down the price of wool in Australia by not bidding at fhe sales one season and transferring their custom to South Africa. They endeavoured to force India to make a favourable commercial treaty by boycotting Indian cotton.

“I never believed these tactics were based solely on economic grounds. There was the underlying idea of causing friction within the Empire and weakening its solidarity.”—Sir Robert Olive, former British Ambassador to Japan, speaking at a Royal Empire Society meeting, London.