he
presentation ceremony. A parade of the metropolitan troops took place at
Albert Park. It was an inspiring sight, the first practical recognition
the troops had received of the services they and their comrades had so
well and so readily given for the Empire. This occasion marked only the
beginning of the enthusiasm which the thoughtful action of His Majesty
created throughout the Commonwealth. The Colours, so dearly valued by the
recipients, were welcomed not only by the soldiers but also by the
residents of the districts to which they belonged.

I hardly feel inclined to enter into the question of the visit of the
Japanese Fleet, either from a political or from a diplomatic point of
view. At the time when it took place there was no Anglo-Japanese Treaty.
The naval German base in north-eastern Papua was not established.
Unquestionably the peril to Australia of attack by Japan existed. Upon
what grounds the Japanese decided to send their fleet in force to
Australia it is difficult to imagine. The Japanese Government must have
been fully aware of the fact that Japan was a menace to Australia. What
was their object in proposing to pay a visit which was to bring them
within the territorial waters of a country which naturally looked upon
them as a possible enemy nation? I have failed to get any information on
this subject.

Whether the Japanese Government approached the Government of Australia in
the matter has never been made public. The fact remains that their fleet
_did_ arrive in Australian waters, that all possible courtesy was
tendered to them, and that they were given every opportunity to learn
much about Australia and its social and economic conditions, and to
become personally acquainted with its ports and harbours. The visit of
the Japanese Fleet was not popular with the public at large. The Japanese
have never been _personae gratae_ to Australians. Still, when they arrived
they were received in an honest, friendly way.

A very interesting point arose with reference to their visit. We were at
the time about to hold a review of the metropolitan military forces in
Melbourne by the Governor-General, and it was suggested to me, as
Commandant, that the Japanese admiral should be invited to send units
under his command to take part thereat. It was my duty to point out to
the Commander-in-Chief that there existed an international custom that no
troops of a foreign nation were allowed to land under arms on British
soi