JAPAN AND THE PACIFIC

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIII, Issue 32, 7 February 1919, Page 6

JAPAN AND THE PACIFIC

OPPOSITION TO INTERNATIONAJLISATiUNI, (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association) (Rec. Feb. 7, 12.55 p m.) IIUiKJUO, Feb. 6. The question ot the internationalisation of German possessions in the Pacific is engrossing attention. The consensus of opinion is that Japan is entitled. to benefit by holding the Marshalls and "Jaroimes in view of the recent understanding with Britain. 'Consequently the alienation of those islands will create the deepest disappointment, and might possibly lead' to an outbreak of national indignation. According to some opinions there is only one condition wherean Japan could possibly agree, to the mandatory proposal, namely the' disarmament and non-fortification of the islands of the Pacific outside Japanese territory. , 'life Asahi remarks: "The Marshalls |ind Carolines are the big question in the Pacific, which is really a world prob’enVs, involving whether America, Britain, or Japan are supreme m the Pacific.” The paper believe® that no case exist* for a conflict of interests between Japan and America in Ohms, and l that a working agreement or the economic development of that country is possible without any clashing of mutual interests. There fore there is no reason why America should object to Japan obtaining definite possession of some of the islands of the Pacific. Unless Japan’s natural 1 claims are recognised by the Powers, the Asahi ,4b afraid' that the peaceful solution of the problem of the Pacific will be difficult.