OUTLET FOR THE JAPANESE.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160735, 23 August 1920, Page 8

OUTLET FOR THE JAPANESE.

“Japan needs expansion. If the Japanese do not find a natural outlet, they will have to force one.” So said Professor Kimura, of the Imperial College of Commerce, Tokio, when he arrived in New York last week on a tour of the United States, in order to survey American industrial and educational methods. That is plain speaking, and should he carefully noted, especially by America, which strongly objects to the presence of so many Japanese in California and other parts of the 'American Continent and which would also exclude them from Siberia and China if she could. The Japanese must have an outlet, says the Professor. They are not wanted in Australia nor in the Southern Pacific, and China is joining in protests against the Japanese guards in Siberia and wants them withdrawn. Where, then, can the Japanese go? From a strictly geographical standpoint, one natural outlet appears to be Siberia, and we are much mistaken if that point of view is not entertained by the Japanese authorities. At any rate, the Japanese appear to have a fairly good hold there just now, and are likely to remain there for some time. In reply to China’s protest, Japan says that her guards are posted to prevent a Bolshevik invasion of Manchuria and Korea, and in accordance with an agreement with the Allies, to put the railway upon an international footing until a legitimate Russian Government capable of preserving law and order is established. Those who know anything about Japanese methods of trade and diplomacy will watch future developments in Siberia with interest. There has been a very large and ever-increas-ing army of Japanese soldiers and traders in Eastern Siberia for a considerable time now; and Japan has, during the occupation of the country, thrown herself with thoroughness into the congenial task of peacefully penetrating the country. They will not easily be removed.