THE ANGLO-JAPANESE TREATY.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue 7389, 15 February 1902, Page 2

THE ANGLO-JAPANESE TREATY.

Received February 15, 0.59 a.m. London, February 14. In the House of Commons Lord Lansdowne said tbe object of the AngloJapanese treaty was the maintenance of the status quo, tbe " open door " policy, and peace. Nothing in tbe treaty did violence to the policy of the other great Powers, who had accepted it as applied to the integrity of China, including Manchuria.

Lord Cranborne stated that tbe substance of tbo treaty was communioated to America and Germany prior to publication. The Anglo-German agreement was still operative.

A djsbate was raised on Lord Cranhomo's statement. He added that the treaty was originated solely for commercial reasons and the anxiety to maintain tbe status quo. All China ought to be open to commercial enterprise on condition that the action of the Allies was strictly limited. Britain's navy and the nearness of Japan's military base would enable both to maintain their policy. Received February 15, 1.7 a.m. London, February 14. Lord Rosebery has approved of the treaty. Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman said we were in substantial agreement in regard to policy, though we might differ in methods. The aims might have been attained by an interchange of diplomatic notes, instead of an explicit undertaking of great obligations.

Mr Balfour said the treaty was intended to prevent any attack upon Japan and also aimed against any adventurous policy in China. He believed it would succeed.

Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Canadian Premier, has been informed that British Columbian bills prohibiting the employment of Japanese will be disallowed unless amended.

Prince Ching has refused to further discuss the Russo-Chinese bank agreement. Received February 15, 9.48 a.m.

London, February 14.

The Times, commenting on Mr Barton's remarks on the Japanese treaty sayß the alliance goes a long way to give colonists assurance against naval attack. Australians ought to be quickened by this result of diplomacy to participate in the naval strength of the Empire, and also to consider legislatively the legitimate susceptibilities of Britain's vigorous and progressive ally

'• it ,