The Lyttelton Times. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1905. THE JAPANESE ALLIANCE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIV, Issue 13848, 7 September 1905, Page 6

The Lyttelton Times. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1905. THE JAPANESE ALLIANCE.

Beyond a few German -suears, there seem to have been no ungenerous references to the renewal of tite 'treaty between Britain and Japan. Even a Russian newspaper like the “ Russ ” can regard the alliance as a guarantee of peace, though, no doubt-, its opinions are formed more in opposition to the Czar’s adventure policy than in frank approval of Britain. The new treaty was signed on August 12, and seems to be mainly an extension and elaboration of the existing agreement. The- treaty signed on January 30, 1002, was framed clearly in eon tan) plat ion of a conflict between Japan and Russia. It- seemed Japan against attack * by a -econd

Power, and expressed clearly the British endorsement of the Japanese policy. But beyond protecting British interests 'generally in the Far East, it gave Britain no special advantages. Presumably, the new treaty is already in force, or will come into force as soon as it is ratified, superseding the agreement of 1902. The full text has not been published, but there is ample, evidence in the speeches of and in the reports of the London Press that its scope is wider than that of the former understanding. Britain has obtained one very material advantage from it now in being able to withdraw the greater part of her China squadron and add the vessels to the fleets nearer home. .lapan will be left to watch the joint interests of the Powers, Britain having in Far Eastern waters only a sufficient force to make a demonstration on the China coast %n the ©vent of trouble arising. It has been hinted that the treaty includes now the whole of Asia, so that if Britain should be attacked in, India while she is at war elsewhere, Japan would be able to lend her assistance. This is,-so far, only surmise. Lord Lansdowne dealt with the position briefly in a speech in London a few weeks ago, obviously preparing the way for an extension of the alliance. “ When the time comes,” he said, “ as if must come soon, to consider what should be done with regard to the renewal of that agreement, the only practical question will be. whether it shall be renewed in its present form, or whether we should not seek for some means of strengthening and consolidating it. I hat alliance has been a potent instrument of peace, and if it should prove to be possible so to modify it that it would not only prevent the spread of a conflagration, when a conflagration had begun, but also prevent a conflagi-ation from taking place, I believe that all true lovers of peace would rejoice at such a consummation.” Primarily it is the peace of Asia that will be assured by the treaty, because no Power would care to meet Japan and Britain in combination after Japan’s splendid exhibition of determination and fighting ability. The world gains directly, too, by the fact that the two signatory Powers are firm advocates of equal trade rights, and so long as they dominate the Far Eastern situation there will be security for the commerce of al! nations in the region. Australasia has an interest in the agreement in another direction, because the colonial immigration legislation does not distinguish'the Japanese from other Asiatic races. Sooner or later, perhaps within the next decade, we shall be called upon to reconsider our attitude toward® the people of this unquestionably brave and civilised race. We shall be asked to consider not merely whether the colour line is logical, but also whether, in practice, it can be strictly drawn. Perhaps when the question arises w© shall have come to know the Japanese better.