The Hawera Star. SATURDAY, JULY 23, 1927. PACIFIC RELATIONS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 23 July 1927, Page 4

The Hawera Star.

SATURDAY, JULY 23, 1927. PACIFIC RELATIONS.

Delivered every evening: by 5 o'clock Id Hawera, Manaia. Normanby, Okaiawa Blthara, Mantratoki, Kaponea. Alt-oi Hurley ville, Patea, Waveriey, Mokoia Whakamara, Mereiuere. Frasei Eoad and Ararata.

A statement frequently made since the war is to the effect, that the centre of world interest has shifted from the Atlantic to the Pacific. It is a wide generalisation, reflecting possibilities rather than actualities, and probably meant to indicate that the importance of Pacific, countries is gradually assuming arresting proportions. In view, of this significant development, it is encouraging to find representatives of the Pacific, nations meeting in congress from time to time to discuss problems affecting their individual interests, but more particularly those in which all are intimately concerned. They cannot claim official status, but there can be no doubt that they represent a considerable section of public opinion, and that of an alert and intelligent type. The influence they exercise in the different countries is admittedly of a far-reach-ing and influential character, and a frank interchange of views must lead to better understanding. Differing completely in character from the difficulties that beset Europe, where the nations are more or less encircled by strictly defined border lines with potential enemies at. their very door, the problems of the Pacific peoples arc not. those of frontiers. But it is there that East and West meet, and it will not be an easy task to find a basis for international co-operation. Their assembly in conference is, however, a splendid gesture indicative of a desire for goodwill and understanding, and if the minimum of apparent results is but the pointing out of danger spots, that in itself tv ill be a material gain. But it is in the direction of personal contact and more complete knowledge of the viewpoint of other nations that such a conference as that being held by the Institute of Pacific Relations has an advantage over diplomatic relations conducted with traditional caution and reserve. The frank statement of Sir Frederick Whyte, for example, concerning Britain’s policy in China must be of value. It indicated that the establishment of any government in the Chinese Republic, capable of speaking on behalf of a considerable section of the nation, will be promptly recognised and steps taken to reach an agreement. The policy outlined was regarded by the Chinese spokesman as coming too late, and he referred to the presence of naval and military forces in China, but until the authorities there can offer some guarantee for the safety of British nationals the duty of protecting them naturally falls on the Home Government. The presence of armed forces in China is but a passing phase. There is no intention to establish occupation, and when China has a government that can govern, these precautionary measures will be unnecessary. The conference offers the British Dominions in the Pacific an opportunity to interpret to the Chinese the full meaning of British policy, in much the same way that Mr Mackenzie King claimed that it would be the duty of Canada to make clear the British point of view to the American people. While the precautions of the British Government may have led to irritation and misunderstanding, we, not having been involved, are perhaps in a better position to impress the Chinese representatives with Britain’s sincerity in endeavouring to come to a fair and equitable settlement. The conference must l)e regarded as an aid to peace. Misunderstanding is the cause of much international enmity, and any efforts towards elimination of the possibility of that misunderstanding must be of value.