The important announcement that] tentative discussions are proceeding with the object of securing an under standing between Great Britain and JJopan on Far Eastern affairs will be received here with" considerable alisfaction. For some time past it has been evident that Japanese diplomacy was inclined to be less 'Sverse" from considering the possibilities of renewed ce-operation in the economic and ancial reconstruction of China, Without enter~ Ing' into discussion' of the exact significance of Japan's recent move toward the "new concept" in dealing with China, It is possible to perceive fu the conversations between Mr. Shigeru Yoshida and Sir Alexander Cadogan the opportunity for reshaping Anglo-Japanese relationships The guarded official statements vouchsafed show that there can be no thought of a renewal of an alliance of the old power-diplomacy type. The understanding will be based on the clear recognition of China as an equal party to the efforts made for continuing and developing progress toward political and economic stable lity. It" will also involve stage by stage contact with the United States of America, whose ce-operation is regarded as' essential to the eventual agreement. At this early phase in now being held. Mr, Naolake Sato has boldly paved the way for Mr. Yoshida's move in London by his definite appreciation of the merits of the "new eoneopt" in furtherance of 4 proper equality for Sino-Japanese relationships. So far, he has been supported by the Cabinet, but signs of. powerful dissension " from his views have not been absent. the elections may ring that difference of opinion more to the fore, the meantime it is all to the good that Japan's representative in London has endorsed the principle of a joint effort for the rehabilitation of China. Mr. Yoshida would not be so shabbily treated by his Government as to be permitted to proceed to that length only to be brought up sharply by Some stipulation "incompatible with the principles involved. " Even s0, pertinent {o observe that the has of the new conversations, premissing as they do the cognizance of America and the equality' of China, actually precludes the danger of reviving the Conditions in which China might be tempied to play one power off against the other—a danger against which Japanese comment of all shades. of opinion has rightly and resolutely sel itself, Similarly there can, in Such a ce-operative endeavour, be fear of evolving an Anglo-Amerl= can combination in restraint or re~ pression of Japan.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.