BACK FROM WASHINGTON

Evening Star, Issue 17959, 4 May 1922, Page 5

BACK FROM WASHINGTON

1 SIN JOHN SALMONS REFLECTIONS. WONDERFUL RESULTS ACHIEVED. JAPAN'S GOOD FAITH. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright, SYDNEY, May 3. (Received May 4, at 12.55 a.m.)^ Sir John Salmoiid, interviewed, said he regarded the achievements a.t the Washington Conference as nothing short of marvellous. He expressed his firm belief in Japan’s good faith and holiest desire tor international welfare. The conception that Japan harbored treacherous plans ot aggression was unfounded. The impression left on his mind was that_sho recognised that her interests were inseparable from peace, and that she wanted peace honestly and sincerely. The Pacific problem had been piacticaljy settled at the conference, and Japan s attitude was worthy of high commendation. bir John SalmoiM described the dramatic moment when Mr Charles Hughes announced America’s proposed naval reduction policy, which caused an immen.se elfect. Sir John ISahnond said' lie believed that the Washington Naval Treaty had put an end to the insensate competition in naval armaments. The Anglo-Japanerc Alliance had been successfully supplanted, and this removed America’s suspicions and made for a wider and more satislaxitory scheme. Notwithstanding this, naval defence in the Pacific had not become, unnecessary. Australia, and Now Zealand should take their fair share of tho maintenance of the. British forces that will still be found necessary; but, the policy of painting Japan black fostered a feeling which was opposed to that which was necessary for tlic maintenance of the goodwill of nations. It was unlikely that the Washington Conference would have any immediate successors, because of the completeness of the work done. The results were, a matter for profound satisfaction to all the Powers concerned, and- in ore especially to Australasia, which was so deeply interested in Pacific problems.