ASIATIC PROBLEMS

Southland Times, Issue 18971, 19 June 1923, Page 5

ASIATIC PROBLEMS

JAPAN’S DILEMMA QUESTION OE WAR OR PEACE (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association.) LONDON, June 16. The Morning Post writes editorially on the Far East articles: “England understands the peculiar position of Japan perhaps better than any other country, for the same motives and imperious needs which are forced on our own country and the overseas Dominions are also at work in Japan. There is no denying the need for expansion on the part of a nation, which, like our own, must import raw materials and foodstuffs and find markets for its manufactured articles, if it is going to live and maintain its place among the nations. Moreover Japan enjoys the advantages of her naval and military position, which, always powerful, has been rendered almost impregnable by the Washington Agreement. On the other hand ruthless expansion means war, and, as Japanese statesmen have repeatedly declared, a country like Japan, associated so closely both in the financial and commercial sphere with the United States and other countries of the Pacific, stands to lose heavily by even a successful war. The lesson of the Great War we may be sure has not been overlooked by the astute statesmen in Tokio, namely, that military strength and a strong geographical position can gain battles, but do not always secure victory. The Far Eastern problem is rendered complex by the disintegrating influence of anarchy in China, and the country which hopes to control China ought to remember Napoleon’s Russian campaign. Our correspondent thinks Japan’s objective is economic penetration of China and hits at the opposition which the Japanese will meet from America and British traders. But what about the opposition from China itself ? We hear a great deal about passive resistance in the Ruhr. What about passive resistance being carried out by one of the most ancient and intellectual civilisations in the wo Al? The political importance of China and the pressing character of Japan’s economic and political problems justify alike the steps the Government has taken for fortifying Singapore and the preoccupation of Australia and New Zealand in matters of Imperial defence. This country is most anxious to remain in closest friendship with Japan but it would be madness to relinquish the watch where vital interests are concerned. Singapore is destined to become one of these Imperial watch towers.”