SITUATION IN THE PACIFIC

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23263, 25 February 1941, Page 10

SITUATION IN THE PACIFIC

CO OPERATION WITH U.S. URGED PRESENT AND POST-WAR PROBLEMS The imminent threat in the Pacific, the danger in Europe, and the possibility of post-war chaos with a subsequent spread of Communism were emphasised by Mr A. J. Campbell. Christchurch president of the League of Nations Union and lecturer at the Christchurch Training College, in ad-, vocating close co-operation between the British Empire and the United States. Mr Campbell was speaking at the inaugural meeting in Christchurch of the British-American Co-operation Movement, and his opinions, especially his warning against the probable economic desperation of Japan, were supported by other speakers. Mr CampoelJ, in emphasising the need for close co-operation, said that the development of the movement was to be looked on from two points of view—the immediate danger facing the British Empire -and the United States in Europe and the Pacific (w'hich threatened to bring actual war to New Zealand's shores), and the need for the two nations to co-operate in reconstruction and preservation of peace, assuming that the war would be successfully concluded. To solve these problems it w ; as essential that the countries wmrked in»harmony, and for this public opinion had to be educated. Future for Japan Of the Pacific. Mr Campbell said, it should be remembered that Japan was not the "far east" to New’ Zealanders, but the "near north.” Japan was controlled by a small group; her rulers w'ere sitting on a social volcano which might erupt at any moment; she lacked essentials of modern industry; she was faced with a loss of potential and actual Chinese markets; the Chinese campaign had been more or less a debacle; the ruling group to save face must show something for sacrifices already made. Her internal situation was dangerous. Her new potential markets naturally lay in the south. Japan's reaction, committed as she was to the Axis, on an Empire victory had to be considered. It must be obvious to Japan, said Mr Campbell, that on the conclusion of the present struggle a powerful British fleet would probably be concentrated in the Pacific. To Japan it must appear to be a case of "now or never." The nature of the Japanese people themselves constituted a second danger. They might be led into what had been called a “suicidal war.” At present, therefore, American co-operation was essential to the Empire. The need was for the Empire and the United States to co-operate in making it possible for the world to try to solve its problems without recourse to war. They must, combined, be strong enough if necessary to be able to ensure peaceful reconstruction. The present conflict had cuaracteristics different from those of the Great War. The point he wished to emphasise was that in both nations before this war there were two strong forces—a class conflict which was in some cases stronger than national interests, and a clash of national interests. The British workers, for instance, had emphasised that they were fighting for democracy, but not the so-called democracy in which there were such class contrasts. With war, social conflict was held in abeyance, of course, but the conflict must inevitably arise again afterwards. Russian Policy “It is from this point of view that I want you to see the policy at present being followed by Russia. I put it to you in this way: the ultimate struggle may be between Russian Communism and British and American democracy for the body of Europe. “Look at the problem a defeated Germany presents—what is the German alternative to Nazism? What was their experience of democracy? What will be Russia's attitude when Britishand American peace terms are being dictated? With things as they are at present Russia may be the only Ppwer unscathed after the war. and in a position to spread her doctrine. “In the general upset, especially in Europe, that must follow this war, with industry out of gear, with the tremendous task of reconstruction facing the world, and with communications upset and a shortage of shipping, there is the possibility of absolute chaos. It is in conditions like these that we may have Communism develop and flourish. It is in preventing such chaos that British and American co-operation can Slay a tremendous part, by keeping the forces of disorganisation in check and by giving others hope and ideas for their eventual salvation. This co-operation can only come if the two nations see their ■ foreign policies as one and see their ideal in democracy.” Dr. G. Jobberns, who presided, Dr. A. Lexington Jones, and Mr J. K. Moloney spoke in support of Mr Campbell’s statements. "It is suggested,” said Mr Moloney, “that we are almost on the verge of war with Japan. It would seem that war is practically imminent, and that Japan might be prepared to commit harikari in one great swoop. It’s generally accepted by the authorities that very shortly we will know what total war is."