Last. Sunday Baron Matsui made an important state- ment to
the Times correspondent on the Japanese attitude to the Singapore scheme. It goes far to sub- stantiate the view we have all along held, that whatever polite assurances might be made to the contrary, Japan must and would regard the building of a great base at Singapore as primarily directed against herself. Baron Matsui said :- " We are glad that the British Government has decided not tx, create a great naval base at Singapore. We know, of course, that such a base would not be designed in hostility to us, but, as we are not a potential enemy of Great Britain and as there is no other Eastern naval Power, the construction would be needless and would cause among some of us a feeling of regret and disappointment. Our membership in the League of Nations, our very definite Naval Agreement, the Four Power Treaty, and other associations we have in common with Great Britain are highly regarded by us. Moreover, there is no issue on which our nations disagree and, as far as can be seen into the future, no serious question is likely to arise between us. it is incorrect to suppose that we are construct- ing auxiliary ships on a scale that would create rivalry with other Powers. We are more than content with the Naval Agreement. We intend to adhere to the spirit as well as to the letter of that treaty and hope it will be repeatedly renewed and continue indefi- nitely to form a bond of understanding among the naval Powers, insuring peace upon the seas."
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