A Sensational Story.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XLIII, Issue 2288, 11 March 1912, Page 6

A Sensational Story.

A cablegram that w.is distributed by the ludependcnti (biblo Service last week made soma sensational statements regarding the attitude of Japan towards Australia in the event ol a European war. Mr Arnold White, a well-known authority on naval matters, was said to have told a gathering of Australians in London that Japan had boon “ forced to admit that she had designs on Australia.” The Oriental Power, he added, “ now made no secret of the tact that in the event of Britain being engaged in a struggle in the North He a an advance would 1,0 made on the Commonwealth.” It was “generally believed” that ex--pedilions would he despatched from Japan as soon as war was declared and that “ landings would he effected at thive miin s.ntegic prints in Austnlia.” “This announcement,” says the Sydney “ Hun,” created a sensation among the Australians, although the few English otllcials who were present were not surprised. They remarked that what Mr White bad said was well within the hounds of pro liability. In fact, Japan could hardly he expected to neglect such an opportunity of acquiring territory that was absolutely necessary for her national expansion.” Happily Mr White’s statement need not bo regarded as the final word on a question of such enormous importance, It dots not scorn in the least probable that Japan has “admitted” an intention to attack Australia. A plan of that kind, if it were over conceived would not be announced to the whole world. If Mr White really made the remarks that are attributed to him, his audience doubtless reaiscl that an essential preliminary to the occupa lion of Australian territory by Japan or any other Power woull bs the iownfall of the British fleet. Mr White is an ardent supporter of the “ Big Navy ” policy that is being oxroundel hv the Imperial Maritime League, which wants Britain to Oorrow £100,000,001) at once for the construction of acllitional warships.