RULE IN JAPAN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 81, 4 March 1935, Page 8

RULE IN JAPAN.

FORCES AND SECURITY. The Tokio correspondent of the London Times, discussing; the temper of Japan regarding naval di.sara.mcnt, emphasises that the Japanese do not regard the Navy’s antagonism to treaties as a usurpation of authority any more than they objected to the Army’s seizure of Manchuria. The constitution is’ designed to give the fighting services effective methods of checking political interference. The correspondent states that the strength of tire Army and Navy position is rooted in Japanese characteristics and history. They a.re not the instruments of the Government, but part of the Government, hearing the' heaviest- responsibility for national security. The people follow the Army ami Navy because they - trust them. Politicians, wbo are not trusted, follow the people. Even moderates are reconciled to the abrogation of the Washington Treatv, hoping that the removal of the obnoxious ratio will tranquillise the Navy and orvnote dispassionate consideration of the real problem. Nevertheless, the Army is amassing modern, weapons because it fears a. Russian attempt to reverse the position in Manchuria. The Navv demands freedom of construction, behoving that only the Japanese fleet prevented the application of sanctions when Japan attacked Manchuria, while the.Amerioon feet was concentrated in the Pacific.

Tb-p history of Japan’s relations with tlie West, however, justifies the belief that if time is given an agreement is possible.