THE JAPANESE QUESTION.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXVI, Issue 17553, 24 April 1919, Page 7

THE JAPANESE QUESTION.

AGREEMENTS WITH ALLIED

POWERS

NEW YORK, April 22

The "New York Times' " Paris corre, spondent sends the text of the agreements between Japan and Britain, and Japan and France, Itaiy and Russia, made in February, 1917, by which those Powers agreed to support Japan's claim to the former German islands in the; Pacific north of the Equator, and the Japanese claim to Shantung, while Japun agreed to support Britain's claims to the islands south of the Equator. The correspondent says that President Wilson and the Chinese delegates were unaware of the arrangement when the Peace Conference opened, but when the question of mandatories was being discussed Mr Lloyd George said that arrangements regarding the Pacific islands had already been reached. There was an awkward, moment when President Wilson asked the nature of the arrangements, which was then explained. Britain, in a message to Japan, on the 16th February, 1917, said: "With reference to Japan's desire for an assurance of Britain's support of Japan's claims at th© Peace Conference, the British Government accedes with pleasure to the request, and supports Japan's claims regarding the disposal (f Germany's rights to Shantung and the islands north of'the Equator, it being understood that'tho Japanese Government will treat in the same spirit Britain's claims to the German islands south of the Equator." Japan replied tliat Britain's attitude was fresh proof of the close ties uniting the two Powers, and agreed to support Britain's claims.