JAPAN AND CONFERENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17843, 26 July 1921, Page 5

JAPAN AND CONFERENCE.

READY TO PARTICIPATE.

REASSURED BY HER ALLIES.

NAVAL POLICY STATED. By Teleeraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received 10.5 p.m.) A. and N.Z. NEW YORK. July 25. Advices from Tokio state that it is understood that Japan has received a reassuring reply from the United States concerning the objects of the proposed conference on Pacific affairs, and it is believed that Japan will shortly intimate her agreement to participate in the discussions. It is believed that Japan also has received word from the Allies assuring her that the conference is in no way directed against Japanese interests. The correspondent of the Chicago Tribune has received a statement by Admiral Kato, Japanese Minister for the Navy, which was revised and approved by the Prime Minister, Mr. Hara. Admiral Kato states that the Admiralty considers that the existence of two squadrons is a necessary and irreducible minimum for naval defence. It was decided upon after the Chino-Japanese war. The framers' eightbattleship and eight-cruiser programme had not in mind any probable enemy. They only knew that the financial position of Japan permitted her to undertake such programme, whereby Japan could be defended in any emergency arising in the Far East alone. Nothing is more preposterous or absurd than the allegation that Japan will attempt to compete with the United States Navy. "Japan," adds Admiral Kato, "wiljl gladly participate in a conference on disarmament, although our relatively inferior navy cannot lead the way in reduction. I. therefore, do not insist on the completion of the 'eight and eight' programme in any certain circumstances." CHINA'S STANDPOINT. GENERAL PRINCIPLES SOUGHT Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Reed. 7.30 p.m.) PEKING, July 24. The Chinese Foreign Minister has issued a statement in which he declares that China does not plan to enter the proposed conference on Pacific affairs with the primary intention of bringing up questions involving her relations with any individual nation, but instead will seek a recognition of general principles applicable to individual problems which may arise in the Pacific in the future. China does not want special privileges. She only wants a fair opportunity. A friendly spirit of give and take will result in the establishment of basic principles in the Pacific, thereby reducing the occasions of friction in the future.