The Waikato Times FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 1940 JAPANESE SUSPICIONS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21199, 23 August 1940, Page 4

The Waikato Times FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 1940 JAPANESE SUSPICIONS

Japan’s reaction to the collaboration in defence between the United States and Canada is surprising. If the opinions expressed in leading Japanese newspapers can be taken as the official attitude, Japan fears that this collaboration will be extended to other British Dominions, including Australia and New Zealand, thus possibly interfering with the Japanese policy of southward expansion. Japan is mistaken in this impression. No one knows better than the people of Australia and New Zealand that the United States does not at present contemplate defending the two Pacific Dominions, no matter what private American sentiment in the matter may be. That is not to say, however, that it is impossible for circumstances to arise that would make American collaboration with the Dominions a wise and acceptable policy. The American intention at the moment is to remain neutral, excepting that it is resolved to make supplies available to the British Empire. Consultation in defence with Canada is aimed only at protecting America's own interests; it is designed purely for the purpose of keeping all enemies out of the Western Hemisphere, not because they would menace Canada or any other British possession alone, but because they would come within dangerous proximity to America’s own soil and interests. Whether the United States would at some future date regard Japanese aggression in the Pacific as a danger to United States interests would depend almost entirely upon Japan’s own conduct. Reading between the lines it is possible to see in the Japanese attitude a fear that America may place a check upon the Japanese policy of expansion. If such expansion at the expense of other nations is intended, the fault lies with Japan and not with the United States. Therefore the fear of American collaboration with the Dominions might be interpreted as a confession of ulterior motives on the part of Japan. America certainly has no aggressive intention as far as the Pacific is concerned, and if Japan’s intentions are strictly honourable she has nothing whatever to fear. The assertion that the consultation with Canada is a forerunner of a similar arrangement with Australia will be proved correct only if Japan by aggression menaces America’s own legitimate interests. With regard to Australia’s appointment of a diplomatic representative in Japan also the Japanese reaction is interesting, and in some respects mistaken. One Japanese authority asserts that the appointment means the abandonment of Australia’s dependence upon Britain. I'ipthing could be further from the truth. Another authority says the appointment of Sir John Latham “is clearly Indicative of the Australian Government’s efforts to obtain a rapprochement with Japan.” It would be nearer the fact to say that Australia desires to establish friendly and sensible relations with Japan on the grounds of common neighbourliness that would countenance no aggressive intention on either side.