BRITAIN AND JAPAN.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXI, Issue 13326, 4 January 1904, Page 4

BRITAIN AND JAPAN.

The cable messages we publish concerning the situation in the Far East are not encouraging. Tt is true that no exact information is available, but the more fact that both Russia and Japan have commenced to suppress dangerous telegraphic reports is in itself a sign that the negotiations are not proceeding amicably. On both sides, apparently, it has been deemed necessary to make dispositions of naval and land forces, in anticipation of war, and it is more than likely that Russia has 'forwarded a bellicose reply to the Japanese demands. The period which Japan was reported to have fixed for the consideration of her demands has not yet elapsed, but the indications point very strongly to a rupture. In thS circumstances, it may be as well to define the position of Britain, which, in the event of war occurring, would bo, next to Japan and Russia themselves, the Power most closely interested. The agreement which was signed by the representatives of the Mikado, and the King in January, ISO2, directly contemplated the possibility of war 'occurring in connection with Korea or China. The contracting parties declared themselves “ specially interested in maintaining the independence and territorial integrity of the Empire' of China and the Empire of Korea,” and the treaty, the substance of which was officially communicated' to the Powers, could bo read as, in efioefc, an intimation that any attack upon the independence of Korea would be regarded by Japan as an unfriendly act. The agreement is not wbat'is usually termed an offensive and defensive alliance. Lord Lansdowno bus described its objects as “the maintenance of tire status quo in the Far East, the maintenance of the ‘ open-door ’ in China., including Manchuria, and in Korea, and the maintenance of peace in that part of the world.” It docs not say that if Japan goes to war, Britain must assist her, but it does say that if one of the allies becomes involved with two Powers, then the other allj r must join in the combat. The object is thus to prevent Russia from obtaining any direct help in Europe in such, a- war as now seems imminent. Similarly, if Britain should have two. Powers against her in any conflict concerning China, Japan would mainr tain the position in the Far East, leaving her comparatively free to conduct any necessary operations in European water's. The two articles of the agreement directly bearing on the point may be quoted;

11. If cither Great Britain or Japan, in llie defenos of their respective interests as above described (Article I.), should become involved in war with another Power, the other High Contracting Party will maintain a strict neutrality and nse its efforts to prevent other Powers from, joining in hostilities against its ally. 111. If in the. above event any other Power or Powers should join in hostilities) against that ally, the other High Contracting Party will come to its assistance 1 , and 1 will conduct the war in common, and' make peace in mutual agreement with it. Britain's part in the present position is thus clear, and as there is no immediate prospect of a conflict involving any Powers but Russia and Japan, we shall be required, in terms of the agreement, to maintain a strict neutrality. Tbs British Government, however, must have been kept “fully and frankly” informed concerning the progress of negotiations, Japan having undertaken to communicate freely with London in the event of her interests being threatened. What attitude tli-e British Government has actually adopted wa need not speculate. Japan has not contracted to hold off until she has obtained Britain’s approval of a war policy, but we should like to be sure that Mr Balfour's Government has used its utmost endeavours to prevent a rupture. It is unfortunate in the extreme that, at so critical a time, the conduct of British affairs is in the hands of probably ilia weakest Government that has been in office during half a century. If,our own interests

were directly threatened just now, the people would be watching the Administration with an anxiety that would leave them little hciu-t- for fiscal controversies.