JAPAN’S OUTLOOK

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXX, Issue 4813, 25 February 1936, Page 8

JAPAN’S OUTLOOK

A SERIOUS MATTER TO THE DOMINIONS. (By a London Correspondent.) Britain considers that Japan’s attitude at the Naval Conference and the statement of her case merited the outspoken British strictures, which were designed not only to explain the British viewpoint to the world, but to ventilate a situation that is likely to have important reactions throughout the Empire. Japan’s withdrawal from the Conference, following her resignation from the League of Nations over Manchukuo, her denunciation of the Washington Naval. Treaty, the reported fortification of the Pacific Islands for which she holds mandates, and her activities in North China, is regarded as creating a new situation in the Pacific, and it is felt that Britain and the Dominions must maintain the closest contact. Confidential discussions on this subject occurred between the British and Dominions Prime Ministers during the King’s Jubilee celebrations in May, when Imperial defence experts outlined the situation in the Pacific, especially at Singapore. Further discussions are probable in view of the latest developments.

It is understood that Mr Bruce (Australia), and Sir James Parr (New Zealand) desire the continuation of the non-fortification clause of the Washington Treaty, which the Conference so far has discussed only informally. It is considered in London that the Japanese policy will bear closely on the forthcoming migration discussions, conceivably hastening a resumption of migration if only in a limited way.

An illuminating sidelight on the Japanese withdrawal from the Conference appears in a book, “Japan’s Place in the Modern World,” which was published by Mr Ernest Pickering, a former Liberal member of the House of Commons, following his recent visit to Japan, where, on a previous visit, he stayed for four years. Mr Pickerig declares that the Japanese navy and army are warning the people that 1936 will be a “crisis” year, and says the militarists need a crisis to keep the popular mind favourably disposed to militarism and its ever-increasing financial demands. He adds that the Japanese are bitterly anti-American, owing to the immigration restrictions, and they be - lieve the United States wants a big navy for more than defence. EFFECT OF IMMIGRATION. The London Times says it notes that immigration ds no longer a barred subject in Australia, and adds: “ Australias’ capacity for the absorption of migrants may be uncertain, but thoughtful Australian opinion has no doubts that the maximum possible is demanded in the interests of security and development. The reasons for which immigration was desirable in the past have grown not less, but more, urgent.”