The writer of the following article is head of Welch, Fairchild & Ca., of Manila.
He passed through Shanghai last Friday on his way back from Washington where he has been closely in touch with the members of the present Cabinet.
The demand for cooperate ion between the English-speaking people" of the world and its bearing on the question of a renewal of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance are here set out in terse sentences which give much food for thought.
Since the opening up of Asia to the so-called civilization of our age has been due to the joint efforts of the British and American people, it would seem that the maintenance of peace in the Far East is dependent upon the attitude these nations take toward the future development of their trade. Because of the inability of the two great branches of the English-speaking people to understand each other and harmonize their differences in Asia and because of their differences in other parts of the world, two policies have come into vogue in the Far East which are mainly responsible for the unsatisfactory situation which confronts us today.
The Anglo-Japanese Alliance undoubtedly has served a useful purpose in maintaining the peace of the Orient, and the open door policy of America' has had that object in view. But it cannot be denied that under these policies the military power of Japan has pursued an aggressive policy which has caused the Chinese people to believe that the militarists of Japan have been aided and abetted in a policy which has not only brought about enmity between the two Oriental nations but cast suspicion upon the activities of both branches of the English-speaking people.
New Poricy 10 Cutna NEEDED. is bound to result in the Orient between the competitive mercantile nations; but that does not relieve the possessors of the two greatest navies in the world from setting the example by harmonizing their differences and meeting the wishes of the Oriental, as far as it is consistent with the peace of the world, and from evolving an understanding which will be as far, as human minds can_ make it, from the suspicions which now exist with reference to the two so-called "regional" understandings which the peace and commerce of the Pacific are now subjected.
Unless one disregards the teachings of history one must not overlook the question of power, which to-day potentially lies with the two great branches of the English-speaking people. The solution of the Irish question is within sight, and this solution will relieve Great Britain of one of her greatest embarrassments at the present time and leave her free to perform her part in maintaining the peace in the Orient.
Undoubtedly Japan has a special interest in China. But that interest should not be utilized to such an extent that the Chiaese people would be justified in beiieving that it is being exercised to their disadvantage; and the same remark applies to any influence which the English-speaking people may exercise.
A renewal of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance is now under consideration in Great Britain. Many British and American publicists are opposed to its renewal in any form, not because they do not believe that its renewal can be effected in a way that will not militate to the disadvantage of China or to other nations doing business in China, but because of the fear that the mass of British and American and Chinese citizens may view its renewal, in any form, with suspicion.
The time has arrived when there should be a readjustment of under standings as to China's future, politically as well as commercially. and it is thought by many public: ists that the nullification of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, as well as the hansing-Ishii Agreement, would clear the field for a new understanding between the three great maritime powers, which would meet the situation and allay the suspicions of the Chinese:
Tae Power or Natcrat Bonps.
1 It will be impossible to eliminate the competition and friction which Locat ANrMosiTiES, It is the general impression of ihe people ie the Far East, without respect to nationality, that Washington and London are not in sympathy with the viewpoint of their nationals in the Far East. And there is enough truth in this belief to bring home to us the realization that this situation is largely caused by the local animosities, _prejudices and jealousies which, if not eliminated, will result in a policy being established which primarily will be to the detriment of our interests and, in the end, to our race.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.