Javas's Foreics Pourcies. By A.
Pooley. George Allen & Unwin, Ld.
The author in a handy volume of less than 200 pages has presented his views on an interesting topic. He writes obviously with inside knowledge and with facility, and in a manner which fixes the attention of the reader. It is stated that a previous book "Japan at the Cross Roads" by the same author has been prohibited in Japan. A perusal of the present book leads the reader to wonder whether the new volume will not meet the same treatment. For it is a strong, trenchant and sustained attack on Japanese characteristics and poli In dealing with Japanese cha acteristic, the author points out that though Japan is constantly pressing for equality for her subjects abroad she denies equal rights to the stranger within her gates, and further suggests that ne foreigner can expect justice in Japanese courts.
Tu dealing with Japan's policy, the author enunciates the proposition that Japan's policy is Suzerainty over China in the first instance and ultimately the control of the Pacific. He depicts in strong colours the methods of the Japanese direct by diplomatic attacks, indirect by financial channels and agence provocateuse, He insists that Japan does not want a strong united China, and for that reason she assisted the revolutions and is always ready to back up any movement against the Central Govminent. He characterizes the Japanese treatment of the Chinese as the worst of all the nations: "no humiliation of China is too great." He uses such expressions as Japanese diplomacy is insincere from beginning to end, her record has been an orgy of extort In support of his views he sets out very ably in chronological order the sequence of events by which Japan has obtained her present hold on China. The well-known 21 demands are the last in the long series, and the author points out that if Japan could have forced compliance Group V she would have in course of time have acquired a very real Suzerainty over Chiva Having dealt with Japanese methods to extend her overseas possessions, the author proceeds to consider the elihood of a clash between America and Japan. The axiom of to-day is "the open door in China," Japan's idea of "the open door" is open for herself and closed to all others. America has always been one of the strongest supporters of the open door; Japanese immigration into California and interference in Mexico have also been the cause of bad feeling between the countries. Interesting and instructive com parisons between the Prussia yesterday and the Japan of to-day are drawn. Prussia fought to force her domination over other nations, will Japan have to fight for her policies? The author is sure that! a clash is inevitable, and suggests that when it comes other nations who might be sympathetic to America will have home troubles of their own, trouble which will have been stirred up by Japan.
The volume concludes with a chapter. on Japan's Commercial pansion which was naturally assisted by the war. The principal interest here is that Japan has acquired by her hold on certain Chinese mines the use of raw materials which she herself lacks. The author is of opinion that, with equal opportunities for all, Japan is not to be feared in trade by other nations.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.