BRITAIN AND JAPAN

Evening Post, Volume XCIX, Issue 124, 26 May 1920, Page 7

BRITAIN AND JAPAN

RENEWAL OF ALLIANCE STR6NG FEELING IN CHINA SOURCE OF POWER TO JAPANESE MILITARISTS. 'UNITED PfclSS ASSOC]ATION,-~COPTMSHT.S (RGCTER'I TSLEORAU.) (Received May 26, 9 a.m.) .■-'■■ PEKIN,24th May. The question of./ the renewal of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance' is exercising the minds of Chinese and foreigners alike. Unquestionably British opinion through - - out China is practically unanimous against its renewal, at least in its present form; while", regarding * a modified alliance, the question is asked, Can Japan be depended upon to-carry out. the spirit/pi' ■ its provisions? .It is argued that the Alliance has not protected the .integrity of China, while in the' Japanese spheres in China equal opportunity is not give" ' to members of other nationalities. Itis also urged that far from the Alliance strengthening the Liberal movement in Japan it has been one of the main sources of. power to the militarists, -whose 'activities'ln Shantung. Manchuria; and •Siberia have undoubtedly raised the opprobrium of other nations. In this ■ connection it is held that renewal of the Alliance would increase Great Britain's ■ responsibilities.' A further reason given is that abrogation would place Britain very high indeed in the good opinion of the Chinas, who fervently hope the Alliance --will'not be renewed. Abrogation of the Alliance also . would remove the cankering suspicion held by many Americans that ihe Alliance is partly aimed at tile United "States, and, that it shows .' British fear of American development.