Japan Knocks At The Door
pp. 25-26 · Read in the full issue
Should She Hove Entry to New Guinea?
THERE are indications that the Japan ese are preparing to challenge cer tain laws in the European-Pacific Territories, which were designed to keep Asiatics from over-running the islands.
It was announced in last issue that an attempt is being made by the Japanese Government to secure the removal of some of the restrictions which are placed upon the entry of Japanese into the Man dated Territory of New Guinea. The
Japanese say that they consider that their commercial travellers should be allowed to enter New Guinea for limited periods.
It is reported from Auckland that a Japanese business man named Ikawa, who had spent a I holiday in Fiji, has protested against the colour line being drawn against him in Suva. He says that at a picture theatre he was compelled to take a seat in the cheaper part of the theatre, among the natives, although there were several vacant seats in the part where he wanted to go. He said, also, that after he had been sun-bathing at the Municipal swimming baths, in Suva, he was asked not to use the baths again. Anyone who knows Fiji knows that the relations between the different communities are of a delicate character. It is certain that no European in Suva wishes to place humili-
ating conditions upon the Asiatics, whether Indians or Japanese, A radio report reached residents of New Caledonia to the effect thati the Japanese were making applications to settle in New Guinea, and caused considerable alarm, No such application has been made. It is evident that the mind of the radio corn mentator had been confused by the report that the Japanese wanted freedom for their commercial agents to enter New Guinea.
If Australia is inclined to agree to the latter proposal, she should see to it that Australian commercial travellers have exactly the same right to enter the Caro line and Marshall Islands. Actually, Euro peans are kept out of the Carolines and Marshalls much more sternly than Japan ese are kept out of New Guinea.
Rev. W. B. Gentle, 8.A., who was re cently accepted by the Methodist Mis sion for missionary work in the Pacific Islands, is now unable to proceed to the South Seas owing to ill-health.