BALANCE OF POWER IN THE EAST.

Evening Post, Volume XCI, Issue 143, 17 June 1916, Page 13

BALANCE OF POWER IN THE EAST.

" It is true that there are British subjects in China who talk unfavourably of Japan, but their arguments carry no weight with the. British Government, which is not influenced by them in anyway. So long as the attitude of the British Government towards Japan undergoes no change, it cannot be averred that the value of the AngloJapanese Alliance ha« suffered any diminution. At any rate, Japanese ought to te more careful about what they say regarding the British if they on their side complain about what British say regarding the Japanese. Consider!^ the fact that the Japanese have made their appearance in the Chinese market, which has hitherto been almost monopolised by the British, it is not surprising that British merchants who see their interests threatened should regard the Japanese' as formidable rivals, and be inclined to entertain ill-feeling towards them. A superficial survey of the situation might lead to the conclusion that a clash of Ja.paneee and British interests in China is inevitable, but careful consideration will convince any intelligent observer that there is ample roon. for co-operation bet-ncei the two peoples in China foe the promotion ifmutuil interests. If Japan and L teat But am have been able to mamt uu fucndl nlations despite the existence ot bid tceling between the Jipane c and Briti h in China, this must hp attnbitul to the Anglo-Japanese Alliincc \ ltl out which the two coimtucs might ha\e come into collision. Some concen c th t tho Anglo-Japanese Alhanff! \as dnetled only against liiissia,, and that since the relationship between Japan and Russia is now very intimate, there i? no longer any riocrssity for the existence of tho AngloJapanese Alliance. They, however, seem to forget the fact that the balance of power in the East is maintained by the Anglo-Jo-panese Alliance, and that it would b<3 "disturbed if the trsaty <x-ei's readsded. Wife Swat Britain a* a

possible enemy it would become necessary for Japan to increase her navy enormously, and her financial resources would thereby be exhausted. If Japan is satisfied with the present strength of her navy, it is because of the existence of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance.

RUSSO-JAPANESE ALLIANCE.

"It is a matter for congratulation that the relations between Japan and Russia have been brought to their present degree of intimacy only ten years after a great war.' This, too, is due to the. Anglo-Japanese Alliance. It would be a great mistake to suppose that the present relations between Japan and Russia have been brought- about- by the unassisted efforts of the Japanese themselves. Here, the benefits of the AngioJapanese Alliance have been as apparent as elsewhere. If a Russo-.Japanese Alliance becomes an accomplished fact in future, it will be of the kind that may exist side by side with the Anglo-Jap-anese Alliance, and not of a nature that will supersede it- I have no hesitation in asserting that fche knowledge of diplomacy of those who insist on the conclusion of a Russo-Japanese Alliance in place of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance is of the most crude and superficial nature. The Anglo-Japanese Alliance will Temain in the future as in the past the shaft on which the wheels of Japanese diplomacy revolve. I lm,ve frequently be«n accused of being partial to Great Britain, but I may claim without fear of contradiction that while I held the portfolio of the Foreign Office 'I insisted on the advancement of Japanese interests abroad more strongly than any other Foreign Minister ever did. In short, the promotion of Japanese interests was my aim rather than the conciliation of Britain or any other conntry. No better policy is open to Japan than to take- part in the future Peace Conference of all the Allies in the war with the Ajuglo-Japanese Alliance as a basis of action. Frankly epeaking, Japan is not such an enormously strong Power as some conceited patriots believe. For purposes of diplomacy her strength m.ns& be jndged by impartial, unbiased men, well versed in affairs. If the Japanese behave in a selfish and overbearing manner they may become disliked and incur the antagonism of the world, like Germany. It is advisable that Japan should not run such a risk, but try to avoid collision with any foreign country." •