The Gisborne Times TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 1935. CAN JAPAN BE OUTWITTED?

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXII, Issue 12254, 9 April 1935, Page 4

The Gisborne Times TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 1935. CAN JAPAN BE OUTWITTED?

The ways of diplomacy are invariably marked by much mystery and, in: connection with the Par Eastern situation, the white nations will, seemingly, require all the subtlety at their command to match the wiliness of the Japanese political rulers. AY ben the Japanese raised the naval ratio question, there wan, it seems, a great deal more in the background than met the eye. Today, however, it is quite plain that it is linked up with tho fate of China. Touching on this important matter recently, Captain Sekine, of the Publicity Department of the Japanese Navy, hinted that, if Japan had been powerful enough at the end of last century, the'European Powers would never have been permitted to create spheres' of influence in China! For a long time . past,. Japan has been endeavoring'to reach a better understanding with her Asiatic neighbour—ah understand ing which would, of course, be acceptable to' herself. Her latest' move is to induce China to- accept from lier a loan. But the Chinese believe that it is only a trap to enable Japan to secure a protector,ate Over China Proper. As a counfcr-move, Britain has suggested that any money ad- • vanced to China should be in the form of an international loan. This, step on the part of Britain has, apparently, greatly pleased the United 'States, which, expresses itself as in full, sympathy with it. It-remains to be seen whether or not Britain and the United States will stand firm ; on (the matter. If they do, Japan : will of courso, not succeed in gradu- : Ally squeezing out non-Asiatic finan- : cial 'and.- economic interests in China. There is. doubtless, soirio risk that Japan might decide to anticipate the non-Asian Powers. If she were to,do thio however, she would be showing ; her lianj' officially earlier than shoi bad originally intended and such an i exposure, would seriously, .affect, her . bargaining powers when ; the. naval ratio question comes tip 'for final.con. sidiyation. the United States; it , would appear, . depend upon France’s. support for any move which will prevent -Japan • achieving dominance in China, The situation is • unquestionably, a very delicate one, AVha.t -is feared in some quarters -is

that Japan may, like .Germany, take the bit in her mouth and defy the other Powers. As matters at present stand none of the major nations iwfeh to become involved in another world struggle. Germany fully appreciates that fact anj is taking full advantago of it. And what if Japan should adopt a similar attitude?