THE WAR CLOUD.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12017, 26 March 1920, Page 8

THE WAR CLOUD.

' ' JAPAN’S AMBITION. United Frees Association— By Electric Telegraph —Copyright. London, March 22. pie Manchester Guardian draws attention to Japan’s loan to China under the agreement tor common defence measures in Manchuria, and the tenor of the Note announcing Japan’s readiness to give up Kiachan and Shantung railway. The paper declares that to be a now policy, and suggests that Japan feels confronted with a new situation in the Ear East. She is, therefore, a modified policy. She is jhjbw endeavouring to secure a paramount position in the Far East, untrammelled by extra Asiatic interference, as a result ot Europe’s aosorption in the w&r, and is using economic penetration rather than military intervention, such as she is authorised to employ in Siberia under the mandate, as representing the anti-Bolshevik Powers. Japan now hopes to establish a Par Eastern Monroe Doctrine, with herself as the natural guardian thereof.

ANGLO-JAPANESE ALLIANCE. London, March 22 The Australian Press Association learns that there is little reason to doubt that the Marquis Saionji. when visiting London after the Peace Conference, broached with Lord Curzon, the question of renewing the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. Unless the Treaty relating thereto is denounced before July 13th, it continues automatically on a year’s notice for a further decade. 11 is believed there will bo certain modifications, but, in any case, the Anglo-Japanese Treaty must he reviewed and receive the approval of the League of Nations. It is also asked whether in view of the creation of the League of Nations, there is any necessity for a continued alliance, and the question may be raised whether the interests of Australasia and Canada will best be served by a renewal of the alliance. It is bitterly resented by China, which supported the League of Nations at Paris in the hope that the alliance would be discontinued, while its existence may prevent Anglo-American relations being placed on the most satisfactory footing. It appears almost certain that negotiations are now proceeding as to whether the alliance shall be renewed, recast, or rescinded. This will depend largely upon the opinions and experience of the Dominions. Arguments in favour of a renewal seem to depend largely upon the insecurity of Northern Australia and Hong Kong, and to a lesser degree of Singapore. Lord Jellicoe’s* plan to have a powerful British fleet based on Singapore, and the not impossible co-operation of America in opposition to any Japanese attempt at aggression, would effectively guard these points if the Alliance were not renewed.

It is unlikely Japan will seek an alliance with the Powers beaten in the war, from whom she could obtain little- advantage. It is understood the War Office and the Admiralty are not unfavourably disposed towards a renewal of the Alliance. PREPARING THE WEAPONS Received March 26, 9 a. m. New York, March 24 The Chicago News’ Yokahama correspondent states tlist the newspapers discuss at great length Mr Daniels’ proposals regarding the United States Navy. One of the xsawspaners points out that the United States’ expenditure of half a billion dollars on a Pacific Squadron will compel Japan to expend 430 million dollars upon her own navy.