Anglo-Japanese Alliance

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The first Anglo-Japanese Alliance (日英同盟, Nichi-Ei Dōmei^?) was signed in London, on January 30, 1902, by Lord Lansdowne (British foreign secretary) and Hayashi Tadasu (Japanese minister in London). The alliance was renewed and extended in scope twice, in 1905 and 1911, before its demise in 1921. It officially terminated on August 17, 1923.

1 Outline
2 Renewal and expiration
3 Reaction of third parties
4 References
5 See also
6 External links

[edit] Outline

Briefly, the benefit of the alliance to Britain was the establishment of an ally in East Asia who could help contain Russia and protect British commercial interests in China. It helped Britain's navy by providing coaling stations and repair facilities. For Japan, it was a necessary step in achieving further recognition as a Power (if not a Great Power) and gave her the confidence to challenge Russia's occupation of Manchuria and designs on Korea. The Russo-Japanese War (1904-05) broke out two years later in February 1904.

The treaty contained two crucial articles concerning war and mutual defense:

Article 2: Declaration of neutrality if either signatory becomes involved in war through Article 1.
Article 3: Promise of support if either signatory becomes involved in war with more than one Power.

This had an influence on two wars. Firstly, the alliance served Japan in the Russo-Japanese War (1904–05) by discouraging France, Russia's European ally, from intervening as this would mean war with Great Britain. (If France had intervened, it would have been the second Power which would trigger article 3.)

Secondly, these treaty's provisions for mutual defence prompted Japan to enter World War I on the British side.

[edit] Renewal and expiration

The alliance was renewed and extended in scope twice, in 1905 and 1911. The treaty expired in 1921, much to the regret of Sir Charles Eliot, and the pleasure of the United States and China. It officially terminated on August 17, 1923.

[edit] Reaction of third parties

In response to this alliance, Russia chose to form an alliance with France and Germany, of which Germany declined. On March 16 1902, a mutual pact was signed between France and Russia. China and the United States were strongly opposed to the alliance.

[edit] References

Ian H. Nish, The Anglo-Japanese Alliance: The diplomacy of two island empires 1894-1907, The Athlone Press, London and Dover NH, first published 1966.
George Alexander Lensen, Korea and Manchuria between Russia and Japan 1895-1904: The Observations of Sir Ernest Satow (Sophia University, Tokyo and Diplomatic Press, Tallahassee, Florida, first published 1966)