MIGRATION IN THE PACIFIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19691, 18 July 1927, Page 8

MIGRATION IN THE PACIFIC.

The opening of the second conference of the Institute of Pacific "Relations has been marked by the raising of the question that is at once most difficult and most urgent. It is that of migration. That it should be raised by a Japanese delegate is significant. Of all the peoples inhabiting lands in or bordering the Pacific, the Japanese most feel the urgency of the question. Their country is quite incapable of sustaining them by its agricultural products. The acreage of its arable land is utterly inadequate. Two possible remedies have been sought—outlets for migrating population and manufactures as a means of livelihood for those remaining. The population's rate of increase is so high that the national policy lias naturally looked to both remedies as simultaneously desirable. There has been emigration to adjacent continental territory, and Japan still looks that way; but international complications embarrass this egress. The mandate acquired over certain north-tropical island groups has provided another outlet; this field, however, has serious limits. The position has been made more difficult by the exclusion laws recently shutting America's door. From the Japanese point of view, therefore, the outlook is critical, and it is not surprising that its discussion has included a reference to Japan's national rights. There are other points of view, of course. America's will be maintained ; so also will those of British lands in this ocean. There is in addition the sacred obligation, now given the force of international duty, to safeguard the rights and interests of indigenous peoples in the island groups. There is much to be said beforo the question is settled. It is one finally for Governments ; but it is well that in the unofficial and entirely friendly atmosphere of the Institute the question is being ventilated. The more critical the issue, the more necessary is it to have it discussed in this fraternal fashion, without even the merest suggestion of a national ultimatum by any participant. It may be reasonably hoped that out of such discussion will come eventually art agreement on policy to which Governments can safely give formal effect.