BRITAIN AND JAPAN.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1748, 6 September 1905, Page 52

BRITAIN AND JAPAN.

RENEWAL OF THE TREATY. COMMENTS BY ENGLISH AND GERMAN PRESS. LONDON, August 30. All the preliminaries for a renewal and extension of the Anglo-Japanese alliance have been satisfactorily arranged. The Tokio correspondent of the “ Daily Mail ” learns that the alliance has been signed. LONDON, September 1. The press is giving a good deal of attention to the question of renewing the Anglo-Japanese alliance. The "Daily Chronicle” approves a treaty simply for defensive purposes. Other newspapers argue that there are few partners with whom we would so willingly run risks, if risks 'there he. The "Morning Post” states that the ratification of a new treaty is absolutely assured. German newspapers comment illhumouredly, and revive the outcry .against the “Yellow peril.” They say Britain is entering a combination hostile to Europe. The Berlin correspondent of “The Times” says the relaxation of Germany’s pressure on France is due to the prospect of the restoration of Russia’s weight in the European balance. Lord Lansdowne, British Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Viscount Hayashi, Japanese Minister dri London, signed a new treaty of alliance on behalf of their respective Governments on August 12th. “The Times” says the terms have broadened the basis, and extended the scope and duration of the alliance; and

whilst it is purely defensive, it will effectually secure the maintenance of the territorial “status quo” in Asia, and provide joint protection of the interests of both partners against any hostile action on the part of one or more Powers. The treaty, adds “The Times,” is conceived in no aggressive spirit, and directed to no offensive purpose. It can but prove a powerful guarantee for the preservation of peace in Asia and, indirectly, throughout the world.