JAPANESE POLICY

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 February 1935, Page 8

JAPANESE POLICY

NAVAL SUPERIORITY CLAIMED. [BY CABLE —PBESS ASBW. —COPYEIGHT.] (Received February 9, 11 a.m.) TOKIO, February 8. The Minister of the Navy, M. Osmui. «n the Lower House, expressed the opinion that individual Japanese warships were somewhat superior to British and American, both defensively and offensively, owing to their advanced design and minimum accommodation for crews. He said that if the new naval treaty did not eventuate, Japan was ready for adequate naval defence, and, possibly, was building more vessels in certain categories than either America or Britain. Japan would not. discuss actual figures, until Britain and the United States recognised the equality of Japanese armaments. TRADE WITH AUSTRALIA. TOKIO, February 8. The newspaper Nichi Michi, in an editorial, says: Preliminary Japanese negotiations with Canberra regarding a trade pact have reportedly ended with the understanding that Japan will maintain her purchases of Australian goods, and that Australia will buy more Japanese goods, especially silk and cotton goods, on the principle o

reciprocity, after which the drafting of a treaty will begin. Japan has been buying four-fold from Australia, which was most one-sided, therefore, she is glad Australia is recognising the importance of Japanese relations and hardship. MANCHUKUO OIL. „ RUGBY, February 7. Replying in the Commons to a question as to the present position re- ■ garding the proposal to establish an i oil monopoly in Manchukuo, Sir ! John Simon said that the conversa- ■ tions at Tokio between the representatives of the oil interests affected ■and the Japanese authorities, started « 'early in January, and would, he; ! understood, cover the field of the Manchukou oil monopoly, as well as the Japanese petroleum law. The con-, xersations afe still in progress. •j CHINESE PIRATES | HONG KONG, February 8. The naval authorities announce that one pirate concerned in the Tungchcxv has been captured. Anglo-Chinese officials at Canton are to discuss ways l and means of combating the piracy . menace.