A JAPANESE VIEW.

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 84, 8 April 1924, Page 7

A JAPANESE VIEW.

ABANDONMENT APPROVED

NO EASTERN: NAVAL MENACE.

{TOUTED SMS3 ASSOCIATIOK.—COPIRIOHT.) ' (PUBLISHED Hi THE TIMES.) {Received Bth April, 10 a.m.) LONDON, 7th April. ■'■'We are glad the British Government has decided not to create a great naval base at Singapore," declared Baron" Matsui, Foreign Minister, in an interview with the Tokio correspondent o£ "The Times." '"I know, of course, that such a base is not designed out of hostility to usj but as we, are not a potential enemy of Britain, and there is no other Eastern naval Power, its construction would be a needless cause among some of us of a feeling of, regret and disappointment." The Minister emphasised that Japan highly regarded its treaty and other associations with .Britain, arid pointed out that there was no issue on which the Wo nations disagreed; and as far as could be seen.in the future no serious issue was likely to arise. It !was incorrect to suppose that Japan was constructing auxiliary ships on a scale that would create rivalry among; other Powers. "We are more than content with the naval agreement," said TJaron Matsui. "We intend to adhere, to the spirit as 'well ;is the letter of that treaty," and hope it will be repeatedly renewed and will continue indefinitely and form a bond of .understanding among the naval Powers, ensuring peace upon the seas. Japan desires peace, not only sentimental,' but based oh our requirements and our best interests. Our foreign' trade is vital to us. We do not ■wish to impair or endanger it. On the contrary, one of our most important necessities is the assurance of the permanency of our overseas commerce., and its constant development. "