THE PACIFIC

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIII, Issue 74, 28 March 1919, Page 5

THE PACIFIC

JAPAN AND THE LEAGUE OF i NATIONS. IMMIGRATION QUESTION. | (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association) 1 ’ ~~PARIS, March 26. Mr Keith Murdoch (Australasian Press Association representative) states that ; the Dominions’ representatives discussed ' the Japanese representations as to the ' League of Nations. In effect the representations were that Japan would waive the racial question in its direct bearing upon immigration, hut reserved the right to bring up the principle of racial equality. Japan’s attitude during .recent weeks has been one of extraordinary isolation. Her policy is to leave Europe to find its level while she digs deeper into the Pacific and China. Thus there is anxiety about Japan. It is fglt that she may use the equality incident to withdraw from Europe. _ This would mean that she would fortifv the Caroline and Marshall Islands. i Si,- Robert Borden (Canada) suggest- ’ ed that the acceptance of some expression of racial equality was inevitable. Mr Massey (New Zealand) asked whether words could be added safeguarding immigration and labour laws, thus giving nations a right to make whatever immigration and labour laws they pleased. General Smuts thought that no reference to such details could be embodied in the preamble. Mr Hughes (Australia) declared Against abating one jot of opposition to any expression in the League covenant against racial discrimination. •By arrangement, the Japanese representatives’ *were present, during the later stages of. the discussion. in which Mr Massey, Sir Joseph Ward, Mr Hughes, and Sir Joseph Cook were absolutely united in opposing the proposal. The subject now goes for discission bolore the League Commission, at which General Smuts (South Afirca and special authority bn International i Law)'will he the only Dominion ropro- ! aentative present. This League Commission is rushing forward the covenant for inclusion in the Peace Treaty. It has .surrounded itself with almost impenetrable barriers, .in order to avoid criticwn and discussion. Even amendments I remain uncirculated, and any plenary ) session which may be held before the J oeace terms arc presented to the Geri mans will not permit talking or voting, ; but will be held, under enormous in- | faunal and external pressure’ for immediate peace. | The Japanese Press Bureau explains j that "tHe“ 'arncnainent proposed to the II covenant was just a broad statement of principle providing for equal and just' treatment for all alien nations of the League, without racial discrimination. As (.he drafting of the preliminary Peace Treaty is mainly a European concern, Japan has not raised any objection to her omission from the meeting of the four Premiers. Japan is chiefly interested in pressing her claims for equality in the League of Nations. Although the question of immigration is. not given prominence in the present is-’ •me, it is certain to emerge later on.Immigration is not likely to be a burning topic in Japan for rat least five years after tho war. . Th«. “Big Four” apparently are working on the basis of each presenting a draft ‘ of peace terms from their own viewpoint and then co-ordinating (hose fn'to a single document. The work already accomplished by various commissions and the*, Council of Ten has done, much to pave the way for the new procedure. COPENHAGEN, March 27. The Gorman financial delegates have loft Berlin for. Versailles.