FEELING IN JAPAN.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 December 1924, Page 7

FEELING IN JAPAN.

TRESS OPPOSE THE SCHEME.

“MORE HARM THAN GOOD.” Tokio, Dec. 12. The announcement of the decision to proceed with the Singapore base has reintensified the press comments against the scheme which, with the American naval manoeuvres in 1925, has been a constant topic of discussion for several - weeks past. The view is practically unanimous that the construction of the base will be productive of more harm than good, because it is contrary to the spirit and letter of the Washington agreements and likely to create misunderstanding and repromote the armaments race.

The Jiji, while regarding that Singapore is purely a British domestic concern, draws attention to the possibility of misunderstanding on the part of the Japanese who,-despite the absence of an alliance, always regard Britain with respect and friendship. The paper quotes Lord Grey’s earlier indictment of the scheme, which it declares represents the views of Japan in this regard;

The Chugai expresses the opinion that the alleged reason for the base, namely, that it is for defence of Australia, is unjustifiable in view of the Washington quadruple agreement, which renders Australia immune from attack. The Kokumin declares that Japan will have to modify her defence policy, ''while the Yamato asserts that th e base nullifies the naval ratio agreed on at Washington to ensure the safety of Japan.