New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-08-11
Australia and Japan
Blu Louis Esson

similar understanding can be brought ABOUT
between Australia and Japan.
In his recent election speeches Mr.. W. NJ
Hughes, the Prime Minister Of the Common
wealth, constantly referred to the dangerous
isolation Of Australia, a huge territory lying
within easy reach of Asia, and held only by
five millions of whites. Critics Of the white
Australia" policy complain that the people
have no right to put into force an aliens
restriction act in order TO prevent other peo-
pie from taking over part of the country they
are unable to develop themselves; but the
democracy that has fought hard to obtain It's
universal suffrage, factory legislation, wages
boards, eight-hour day, the referendum and
other measures fears its ideals would be
seriously threatened by an influx OF cheap
labor. For this reason Australia has adopted
compulsory service and laid the foundations
of a national navy, besides trying to attract
suitable white settlers by an extensive imml-
grafton policy.
The Patrol of the Pacific
Though in the present conflict Australia
and Japan are allies, nevertheless the public
fears that the relations between them are
still somewhat strained. No satisfactory
policy has vet been evolved in regard to the
patrolling of the Pacific, though the brilliant
" efficient work of Japan since the with
drawa of the British feet is freely ad-
mitted. Japan's attitude toward Java IS also
a source of uneasiness A more important
matter is the ultimate fate of the South sea
island colonies that have been wrested from
Germany Both Australia and Japan have
been active in these regions, sometimes work
ing closely together. But on both sides
there are still an unfortunate mlsunder-
standing and mutual distrust.
During the war Japan has rendered Aus
trala the most valuable assistance, helping
for instance, in the capture of the raiding
Emden and in conveying the Australian
TRANSPORTS. In return certain restrictions
against Japan have been temporarily re-
moved, with the result that the bulk OF the
trade once held by Germany has passed en-
tirely into Japanese hands. 1t is hard to
believe that in the nature of things the
ideals of the white and yellow races are alb
solutely irreconcilable, or that there is not
sphere Of legitimate development for each
Frank Dealing Necessary
The relations between Japan and Australia
form a problem fraught with difficulty and
danger; but it must be faced boldly, with all
the cards on the table. No good purpose
can be served by a Machiavellian diplomacy
that, after all, deceives nobody except the
diplomats When mlitarism has been finally
crushed in Europe and the democracies have
begun their great work Of restoration and
reconstruction it would be a grim anti
climax if there were war, or the possibility OF
war, in the countries round the Pacific. No
one except mad junker can desire war for
its own sake, and surely craftsmanship is not
so bankrupt of resources that no settlement
is possible except by force of arms.
Such questions have now become interna-
tional rather than national; and some under
standing as to policy between the United
States and the other democratic powers
seems necessary to settle definitely and equi-
tably the complicated problems of the Pacific,
on the satisfactory solution Of which may
depend the future peace Of the world.