The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1920-12-31

New York Herald Bureau,
Washington, ID. c., Dec. 30.
In connection with the expected re-
newal of the Anglo-Japanese alliance
the British Empire will have to bring
about a complete understanding among
it's own member units and establish
definite relationship policy to the
United States.
Authentic information to this effect
has been received here, together with
the intimation of the decision of Great
Britain to consult the United States
before perfecting the treaty. This will
be a wide departure from established
custom on the part of Great Britain,
which has hitherto made its treaties
secretly without consultation with
Powers not party to the arrangement.
Involving as 1t will all of England
relationship with it's Dominions and It's
part in the political development OF
Asia it is realized that the utmost I'M
portance will attach to the agreements
reached and that this interest will be
world wide.
Dominions Side with U. s.
The negotiations will be of some
what delicate nature, as the attitude OF
the Dominions on the subject of Japa-
nese immigration is similar to that OF
the United States. and the Australians
and New Zealanders feel more in SYM
patty with the United states relative to
Asiatic influence than with the mother
country when they see that country en-
gaging in an alliance with the Power
they especially fear.
The extent to which the United States
will be invited to participate in nego-
tiations between Great Britain and
Japan is a matter OF speculation. In
formal conversations with Secretary OF
State Colby have already been COM
menced but have not gone far. 1t Is
understood the British Government be-
lieves 1t would be better to await the ar
rival of the Harding Administration be-
fore making definite commitments.
1t is recognized conditions have greatly
changed since the making of the original
Japanese British alliance. At that time
the United States occupied minor In
ternational position and the alliance was
directed mainly against Russia, whom
both Japan and Great Britain feared.
Since then Russia has been practically
eliminated as a factor, while the United
States has become one OF the leading.
If not the leading, world Power.
Wants No Friction with U. $.
Any alliance between Great Britain
and Japan now would naturally have
the United States in mind as a possible
enemy of the future, but Ii is at this
point that newer world conditions enter.
The British people realize the impor-
lance of preserving friendly relations
with the United States and 1t is not
conceivable that any British Govern
ment would enter into an understand
ing with Japan which might involve her
in possible friction with America.
In spite of this optimism. II Is real
ized that Great Britain fears above
everything else the ascendancy of the
American navy, which the British can
not prevent II the three year American
programme is carried out and the Amer
lean faith In the capital ship as the
unit of the fleet Is not misplaced.
While 1t Is expected the British will
endeavor TO settle all Observation-Disclosures
with the United States. including pos
sible naval rivalry on the basis Of the
| Japanese agreement, the probable ma
ture of that agreement Is a matter of
doubt. Great Britain has now enlarged
/ its sphere of Asiatio influence and Is
/ no longer confined to India and the
! China coast. She is in Persia and Meso-
/ potamia and is engaged in cementing
\ her power as a great Asiatio overload.
\ This involves new responsibilities. while
/ IL also gives Japan greater trading pos
| sibilities in dealing with Britain.