THE JOYNT SCROLL DEBATE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22325, 27 July 1934, Page 12

THE JOYNT SCROLL DEBATE

TO THE EDITOR. Sir— lt is rather amusing to find " Imperialist” taking the Jpynt Scroll debate so seriously. The subject, “An Alliance with Japan,” is purely imaginary, and I consider it an excellent topic for debate, but as “ Imperialist ” appears to be serious let mo seriously differ with his views. He considers an alliance with Japan would be absurd. Did he think the past treaty —a sort of an alliance —between Britain and Japan was absurd? If so, he stands alone, and it makes one query his signature, “ Imperialist.” Historians agree as to the helping hand of Japan to the Allies. That treaty would have been renewed by Britain at the due date had it ■•not been then thought wiser to let it drop to please the United States, which at that time was suffering from the “ Yellow Peril ” red herring which Germany had dragged across the trail. American thought has since seen its error, and is now practically ready to enter into a similar treaty with Japan. As to Japan’s business awakening, her sudden progress is little short of marvellous. She has a right to her place in the sun ns much as any other nation. She has as much right to sell the commodities she is now manufacturing as any other nation. “Imperialist” must not blame Japan for “ flooding our market with inferior imitations.” He should- blame the Government

for allowing the goods to enter on terms which he considers unequal. And that is just where a business alliance would come in and be economically sound. Does “ imperialist” think an,alliance between two •businesses is absurd? —say, artificial manure manufacturers in Dunedin where they put their heads together and share the business instead of cutting each others’ throat financially and perishing. Does “ Imperialist ” think the various economic agreements that Britain has made and is making with other countries are absurd? If not, then for what reason would he debar Japan? Surely it is preferable to buy from a friend like Japan than from some others that produce cheap goods?. Japan is a good fellow to be admired. To the core, Sir— l am, etc., BRITISH.