THE POWERS AND THE PACIFIC
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
Sra,—Representatives of nine countries round the Pacific Ocean have met in conference in Honolulu, and have estab- lished a new permanent organization—" The Institute of Pacific Relations "—which may be destined to play an import- ant part in international relations. The nine countries repre- sented were Australia, United States, Canada, China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, New Zealand and Hawaii. •The conference was planned on the widest possible basis, without any limitations of race or religious belief. In addition to those from the Pacific countries, two Englishmen—Lord Radstock and Major Frank Young (President, English National Council of Y.M.C.A.'s)—were present, as " members at large." All the visitors' various nationalities are already represented in the life of the city, and the Governor of Hawaii was able to welcome them, not as strangers, but as the friends—almost as the relations—of its citizens.
The meeting place was the Oahu College, the oldest educa- tional institution west of the Rockies. Dr. Arthur Dean, President of the University of Hawaii, took a prominent part
In the deliberations, while another University President, Dr. R. L. Wilbur, acted as Chairman. Many matters relating to international relations round the Pacific were discussed during the fortnight. Particular attention was given to the United States Immigration Act and to the question of recip- rocity in certain matters between China and the other Pacific countries ; but numerous other problems also were considded —legal, financial, economic, social, psychological, religious, educational.
A temporary organizing committee of five—one each from Hawaii, Japan, China, Canada, and U.S.A.—was established to undertake the permanent organization of , the Institute. A permanent central secretariat was also set up to carry on scientific investigation and to arrange for regular periodical conferences.
The new Institute will endeavour to collect and elucidate facts ; to influence public opinion ; to urge, where necessary, the improvement of legal and administrative procedure ; and to work in any other way it is able to promote international friendship and understanding among all the Pacific nation's.— I am, Sir, &c., .National Council of Y.M.C.A.s.
13 Russell Square, W.C. 1. WALTER ASHLEY.
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