JAPAN AND BRITAIN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 10 April 1934, Page 3

JAPAN AND BRITAIN

STRENGTHENING TIES OF FRIENDSHIP

According to Uio text of a speech, issued io i.omioii, Mr ilirota, Japanese foreign Minister, said in the Diet:— 1 believe that the two sea Powers occupying geographically similar key position's. one in the Past and the other in the West, can effectively serve the cause of universal peace through, sympathetic' appreciation of their respective attitudes and whole-hearted collaboration in all quarters of the world. It is iu this sense that our (loverymenl are seeking to readjust whatever eonlliet of interests relating to questions of trade there may be, and to strengthen further the ties of friendship that bind our Empires. A survey of the world as a whole reveals the sorry situation iu which economic disorder, political unrest, and confusion and conflict of ideas threaten to destroy international equilibrium at any moment. 1 consider that no insuperable difficulties need be anticipated in settling any question if the nations manifest their sincerity and their true comprehension of one another’s position. However, international trade barriers, instead of decreasing, are fast multiplying. Of late our industries have taken marked strides, with a corresponding expansion iu our oversea trade, while, owing to the prevailing economic nationalism, one country after another has begun to set up fresh obstacles against the advance of our export industries. Our Government are making earnest efforts to deal effectively with the situation. Since the mutual understanding of one another’s unique culture is of no small value in fostering goodwill between nations our Government are planning to take suitable measures in concert with private institutions for facilitating the cultural intercourse of our nation with the outside world. We should not forget for a moment that- Japan, serving as the only corner-stone for the edifice of the peace of East Asia, bears the entire burden of responsibilities. It is in this important position and in these vast responsibilities that Japan’s diplomacy and national defence are rooted. Our national defence is organised in its very nature for defensive and self-protective purposes.. At the same time our diplomacy has no claims to put forth save wha’t is legitimate and rational and consonant with our national mission. That, eventually, this position in which Japan naturally and actually finds herself will be rightly understood by other Powers is, I believe, a foregone conclusion.