GOODWILL SENTIMENT

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 226, 22 August 1935, Page 8

GOODWILL SENTIMENT

THE JAPANESE VISITORS

Per Press Association

AUCKLAND, Aug. 21. Bearing a message of friendship from the Emperor, Government and people of Japan, the goodwill mission headed by Air Ivatsuji Debuchi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, arrived at Auckland from AY’ellington to-day, accompanied by Sir Alexander Young (Minister of Internal Affairs), representing the Government. “I should be -very happy ir you would accept my visit as a symbol of the friendliness of the people of Japan toward the people ol New Zealand,” said Air Debuchi. “As science advances so does the proximity between countries, and in proportion it becomes more and more essential that friendly and sociablo feelings should pervade the international neighbourhood. We all have something useful to contribute to each other, and it is especially from personal exchanges and contacts such as these that we gain the respect and esteem which help to strengthen the foundations of international friendship. I express the deep hope that my visit to New Zealand will contribute in some way, even though in a small one, to reinforce the strong ties of friendship which have bound our countries together ever since our first days of intercourse.” . . . As a result of the mission it is very probnble that a native Japanese Consul or Consul-General will be appointed to Wellington or Auckland. Hitherto Japan has been represented only by consular agents at the principal New Zealand ports „ “I am considering the question, said Air Debuchi. “I think it is very probable that an appointment will be made in the near future. New Zealand is an independent State and a separate member of the League of Nations It seems fitting, therefore, that Japan should have a direct representative here. I have no doubt that you will see a very (treat increase in mutual trade with Japan in the next few years.” , As the first step toward promoting a better understanding between the Japanese and New Zealand peoples. Air J R- Kirk; of Wellington, has been appointed the New Zealand representative of the Japanese Society for International Cultural Relations. Professor P. A. V. Russo (Professor of Foreign Languages in the University of Commerce, Tokio). who is accompanying the mission to New Zealand, announced that he had ai ranged with Air Kirk to represent the society in the Dominion.