On Tuesday Count Komura made a statement on foreign policy
in the Japanese House of. Representatives. He spoke of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance as "constantly gaining strength and solidity." The Japanese Agreement with Russia had excited suspicion in some quarters, but there was no justification for this. "I, have no hesitation," he said, "in positively declaring that it has for its sole object the mainte- nance of the status quo in Manchuria and of enduring peace in the Far East by confirming the principles and supplementing the provisions laid down in the former Convention." Count Komura next announced that the Government is negotiating new Treaties "to re-establish a complete tariff autonomy for Japan, and to eliminate all unequal engagements found in the Treaties actually in force." Some Powers have already sent in counter-projects, while others are still examining the Japanese drafts. The negotiations with Great Britain are "proceeding favourably," and the early conclusion of a new Treaty is expected.
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