World Events Explained.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 29, 4 February 1939, Page 7 (Supplement)

World Events Explained.

By ARPAD SZIGETVARY,

AMERICA AND THE PACIFIC. The "New York Times" Washington correspondent says President Roosevelt has approved, a measure for fortified bases in the Pacific, particularly Guam, and ''that a bill authorising a total expenditure of 00,000,000 dollars, including 5,000,000 dollars for a major naval. base at Guam, will shortly be introduced in Congress. ' • The feeling prevails that the recent Japanese Press threat that the American Navy would be destroyed if the United States fortified Guam lias had a psychological effect in hastening American plans for such fortification. It is felt the bill will be passed by a substantial majority.

Nearly every week we have further evidence of what an important part the Pacific is destined to play in world affairs. The possession of hitherto ignored and isolated specks of land is eagerly sought after. Now comes the decision of the United States of America to fortify her island of Guam. However, though isolated, this island has .centuries of European history behind it, and its

ownership- has never been ,the subject of "dispute beyond thro'ugh • war. •-""

, - Discovered in 1521 by Fernando de Magallanes,, on his pioneer voyage around the-world, the area ,of Guam' is 225 square which makes it one of the' largest- Pacific islands. When the Spaniards first arrived there, the native population, consisting of Chamorros, a branch of the Malay race, was quite large, but following their-usual practice with conquered native people, the newcomers set about to exterminate them. However, they did not succeed to the extent they did in the West Indies. To-day the population consists of 19.000 so-called Chamorros (now a mixed race of old Chamorro, Filipino, Mexican and Spanish blood, with additions of. Chinese,-Japanese and Caroline blood). The white American population is about 700, mostly American marines and sailors.

The only .-iterest Spain had in Guam was. that it provided a muchneeded port of call for the Manila-

bound treasure galleons that ;yearly sailed from Peru with silver to pay the Spanish galleons in the Philippines. On several ocassions. while ;at anchor at Apra, the' harbour of Guam,, these galleons were attacked, not only by English buccaneers, 'but by. Chinese pirates. Danipier did so in IGSG. The ruins of the old fort built to protect the galleons at anchor are still to be seen. With the passing of the galleon • .days what.' little importance Guam " possessed passed, and the island was left to. stagnate. Then in 1898 came ;war' between Spain and the United' States. It was in the days before wireless, and when an American fleet appeared off Guam in April, IS9S, the Spanish; Governor did not know that war had" been declared and thought, that the Americans were, merely , paying a friendly.visit! At any raie lie could not have offered any resistance as he had no dry powder for his ancient guns, and so Guam became American.

The Americans govern Guam as if it was a man-o'-war in a somewhat similar manner as tlie island of Ascension was until recently under

the jurisdiction of the BrltishAdmiralty and known officially as H.M.S. Ascension. - ' :

Guam is .of great strategical importance to America as jt', isher nearest possession to' Japan and can fee rer garded. as. an" outpost of' -both- the

Hawaiian and Philippine Jislands. As well, as that, it- makes .the. northernmost point of a series of 'Americaunowned islands' which- Virtually encircle the ex-German Pacific islands now held by Japan • under mandate.

' Wlien.discu6sing.the matter before a Congress committee, Admiral A. J. Hepburn said that the preparation of Guam as a . fleet base would give America a definitely strong'position in the Pacific. The base is to liave provision, too, for submarines and an "airport.' -<; " • '■) : J

The question was: raised as to -whether Guam would, tfot be of greater, value to Singapore and' Australia than to <tlie United States. The island is 2600 miles from Singapore and 1300 from Australia. . The distance from , Hawaii is 3800 miles. Admiral Hepburn said; despite these facts, lie considered Guam would be of great value in the; defence of the United States.

The fortifications will undoubtedly add greater security- to the Pacific countries of the British Empire, for should danger threaten, especially from Japan, the United States', will surely stand with the Empire against -the aggressor.