MR HUGHES AND THE JAPANESE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIII, Issue 18, 23 January 1919, Page 5

MR HUGHES AND THE JAPANESE

A FURTHER INTERVIEW,

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.)

s NEW YORK, Jan. 18. The New York World’s Paris correspondent interviewed Mr Hughes, who said* “The Japanese are a great people, but our ideals and theirs differ fundamentally. We do not wish Japanese expansion in our direction. Wo have a. very email population^compared with Japan, and neither our interests nor _ our aspirations are identical with theirs. ’Each of us in our different spheres can safeguard the future while maintaining relations of perfect harmony with ono another.” With reference to iffe naval situalon, Mr Hughes said that full protection by the British Fleet was necessary for Australia’s safety. He did not fear that any difference would arise regarding the British and American interpretations of the freedom of the seas.

LITTLE INTEREST IN JAPAN.

TOKIO, Jan. 20. The press is displaying little interest in the Conference; 'lt is taken for granted that Germany’s colonies will never be returned. Popular interest centres in the oueetion of racial discrimination, whereby Japanese are exand Australia. ; The' newspapers urge the delegates to Insist upon-the removal of the race -bar «s a fundamental : condition of r the League - of .•