OPPOSED TO ALLIANCE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16455, 17 June 1921, Page 8

OPPOSED TO ALLIANCE.

CANADA AND THE JAPANESE TREATY.

E 7 Telegraph—Pres* Association— Copyright ’ uricl N.Z. Cable Association. (Received June 17, 1.20 p.m.)

OTTAWA, June 16. The following cable message has been received from London : The Premier of Canada. (??r Meighen) will throw his whole weight against the renewal of the AngloJapanese Alliance, because no vital Empire interest is involved. Ho maintains that the reasons which made the Treaty necessary in 1911 have since disappeared:" 'fhe renewal would be regarded as a challenge to the United States, and. that the formation of a special all ance is antagonistic to the spirit of the times and the endeavours of the world for disarmament and peace. Incidentally. Mr Meighen will urge the Imperial Conference to postpone the question of naval defence until the next constitutional Conference, or the international situation has cleared. He will argue that the best protection for Australia is in showing* the world that good relationship and understanding exist between the Empire and the United States.

Should he fail to have the Alliance renounced. Mr Meighen will ask for the insertion of a, clause exempting Canada from its provisions until the Dominion Parliament accepts it.