IN THE MARSHALL ISLANDS.

Western Star, 19 March 1920, Page 4

IN THE MARSHALL ISLANDS.

JAPANESE INFLUENCE FELT. In very close proximity to tho British Crown Colony of the Gilberts and Ellice Islands, and to the north of the Equator, is the very interesting group of atolls known as the Marshall Islands (writes Thomas J. McMahon in the London Daily News of August). They have an aggregate area of a little over 150 square miles. The atolls are very small islands, the highest not above Bft of sea level. These are linked together, horseshoe or circular fashion, as many ia»s 100 or more, which enclose great lakes called lagoons. There are 46 of these lagoons, ail deep, and the safest shelters for shipping, Majuro, one of the largest, being famous as a hiding place for Germain warships in the early days of the war. For 30 years this group has been owned by Germany. On the outbreak of war the islands were handed over to the protection and occupation of the Japanese, who now hold: a mandate for their future administration. That mandate is extremely unpopular throughout the South Pacific, and is particularly offensive to the natives. Tho Japanese officials exact the most subservient respect frote the people. They are compelled, for instance, on the approach or passing of an official to bow in a very effusive manner, and to show they recognise in the Japanese a very superior race. The use of the word -'Map” instead of Japanese is an offence. The natives are continually reminded that the British or Americans arc not one bit better than the Japanese. The Marshalls, as part of tho late German New Guinea territories, were to bo occupied during the war on the same terms of capitulation “as German New Guinea and the Bismiarck Archipelago by the Australians; that is, the continuation of German laws and customs. The Japanese set aside this condition and introduced Japanese regulations, customs, and tariffs. The post office was promptly closed, and no one in the group was allowed to receive mail but tho Japanese officials. Tho Japanese language was mn:d|e compulsory, and tho American and German missions and schools were forbidden. A Japanese school was opened with Japanese teachers. To this severity the natives have taken great exception.

The Japanese traders - have set out to capture the native tastes by shoddy and gaudy trade goodp, and' already there is an atmosphere quite Japanese in customs, dress, an cl foods. The native women, proud -;of their long, rich hair, do it in exact imitation, of the Japanese ladies. They conib it with Japanese combs and plaster it thickly with Japanese strongly perfumed pomades. The native ladies of the high-class families are never without ai brightly painted Japanese .fan, and a ranch-boflowcred kimono. A chiel' woman never walks ytjt but her

slave maid carries a Japanese umbrella over her.. The Marshall Islands monarch-s carry Japanese walking sticks; -and their European clothes, which they delight to wear, are made by Japanese tailors. The native schoolboy “swanks” in a Japanese naval uniform, for every lad is a naval cadet. There is no -doubt- Japan must be a dominating Power in the South Pacific, its trade, and politics. It is safe to suggest in five years the Central Pacific will see in the Marshall Islands a New Japan, populated with Japanese colonists and prosperous in every way . In this prosperity, it is also safe to add, the natives will have no part; nor will their love for their new masters have increased.