THE JAPANESE MENACE.

Wairarapa Age, 5 August 1921, Page 5

THE JAPANESE MENACE.

A CALIFORNIAN PROPOSAL ABROGATION OF AGREEMENT. (Received 10.35 p.m.) Washington, Aug. 3. —It is understood that the Japanese Exclusion League of California has filed a brief with Mr Hughes (Secretary of State) petitioning for the abrogation of the “Gentleman’s Agreement” with Japan, and declaring that no selfrespecting world Power should have made such a pact. A letter signed by Californian Senators and Congressmen accompanied the brief, generally approving of its contents and inviting serious consideration by Mr Hughes.

The brief states: “To-day intelligent white business, professional, and labouring elements, which until a few months ago derided the warnings cf the Japanese peril, are openly, secretly, directly, and through commissions, petitioning for protection,” and adds: “A treaty of settlement with Japan would be a violation and invasion of the State’s rights.”

(The “Gentleman’s Agreement” between the United States and Japan was in effect an abrogation of the treaty existing prior to 19.11, under which America, reserved the right to restrict Japanese immigration. The agreement was not a signed document, but under it Japan agreed not to permit her people to emigrate in too great, numbers to America.)