THE BREAK WITH BERLIN.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15189, 9 April 1917, Page 2

THE BREAK WITH BERLIN.

WELCOMED IN JAPAN. TOKIO, February 5. The diplomatic rupture between the United States and. Germany was welcomed with enthusiasm throughout Japan. The Press devoted columns to the telegraphic reports announcing the break, and to the observations of diplomats and publicists on Ih© situation. The interviews given by prominent diplomats, and navy officers, all unnamed, to the Press unanimously agreed that as the American Navy is one of the strongest in the world it would lie an easy task to help crush the German naval power in event of a declaration of war, and thereby accelerate Hie termination of the great war. America would thus cap the climax to Ihe titanic struggle, and contribute to the restoration of an eventual lasting pence throughout the world. The Fuji said: “The strength and useful effect of the American Navy will he very far-reaching, especially in sweeping the German submarines from the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and the North Sea in co-operation with the Entente navies.” The Yorodzu called the action of the United States the great evolution of tho European war, and an epoch-making event.

“Too much liberalism and leniency had been shown Germany by the United States,” said the A-sahi. “If President Wilson did not take a decisive step and declare Avar on Germany and^ force her to abandon her aggressive ambitions, he Avould not be able to realise his covoted last in gpeaee of the world.” Admiral Kato, Minister of the Now, in an interview, said that if the American Navy took the offensive against the Gmeans it would surely lie effective in. sweeping the German Navy from the interna.! ion rl sea route and stop tho menace to the world’s shipping interests.

Marquis Okuira in a brief interview, declared that the determination of the United Etat.es was a natural course of the events of the past, and now that America had openly pledged her hostile attitude, it Avas needless to say that Germany Avoid'd eventually be compelled to lay aside her arms and yield, abandoning her ambitions and aggressive designs This was a cause of great con-gratnat-ion for the sake of the world and tho ucacc and happiness of humanity. Fears that tin? situation would affect America’s great importation of Japanese silk caused a panic in he Yokohama silk market. Prices fell abruptly, causing losses estimated at 500,000 dollars. The directors closed the market. Merchant think the panic not justified by conditions, and believe that Japan eventeally Avould benefit by complications between the United States and Germany