2 JULY 1921, Page 10

We hope we shall not be thought busybodies by the

able and eminent statesmen of the Empire who are now discussing the matter at the Imperial Conference if we ask them to remember that to whittle away the Treaty to nothing is not a compliment to Japan and would be the worst possible solution of the problem. No doubt such a thing might satisfy and reassure the United States Government, if they wanted official reassurance, as to our intentions in the Pacific, but there has never been any question in this case of misunderstanding in the State Department. Whzt we want to do is to reassure American people, apart from their Government. We want to make it clear to them exactly how we stand as a nation and an Empire in this matter. But we can only do that by sorne striking and symbolic act of friendship. We have got the arm of Japan at this moment while our own kinsman walks alone. Surely we are not going to discuss whether it is irrational or absurd or what not of him to feel hurt. We ought to feel proud and pleased that he is a little annoyed. If we are wise, we shall remember that small slights may lead to great misunder- standings. We ought to be glad to take so good an opportunity of showing the American people how deeply we value their goodwill and how fully we realize that the peace of mankind depends upon our agreement with the United States. What we ask for is not a piece of diplomacy or of statecraft or the like, but a preliminary act to that understanding among the English- speaking peoples which, if we can secure it, will be the firmest possible foundation for civilization, peace, and progress.