BRITAIN AND JAPAN.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 46, Issue 14127, 26 May 1920, Page 5

BRITAIN AND JAPAN.

THE ALLIANCE. OBJECTIONS TO ITS RENEWAL, Press Association—Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.; (Received Wednesday, 8.45 a.m.) PEKIN, Monday. The qnestion of the renewal of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance is exercising the minds of Chinese and foreigners alike. Unquestionably British opinion throughout China is practically unanimous against the renewal, at all events in its present form, while in regard to a modified alliance the question is asked “Can Japan be depended on to carry out the spirit of its provisions? ,r It is argued that the Alliance has not protected the integrity of China while in Japanese spheres in China, equal opportunity has not been given other nationals. It is also argued , that far from the Alliance strengthening the Liberal movement in Japan, it bas been one of the main sources of the power of the Militarists, whose activities in Shantung, Manchuria, and Siberia undoubtedly raised the opprobrium of other Nationals in this connection. It is held that a renewal would increase Britain's responsibilities. A further reason given is that an abrogation •of the Treaty would place Britain very high indeed in the good opinion of the Chinese, who fervently ■ hope that, the Alliance will not be renewed. The abrogation would also remove the • cankering suspicion of many Americana that the Alliance is partly pimed at tho United States, and that it shows British fears of American development..