Defence of the Pacific

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 17, 14 October 1933, Page 9

Defence of the Pacific

Sir, —Replying to Mr. Fitzherbert, in your issue of October 9, I would put forward this proposition: Japan has stated that she needs an increase in territory, also new sources of supplies of raw materials and new markets for her manufactured goods in order that ner large population may obtain the means of subsistence. On the other hand, she has signed the Covenant of the League of Nations and the Kellogg Pact, reBouncing the right to make war ana to invade the territories of other nations, but notwithstanding this she. has invaded Manchuria and thereby violated both these solemn engagements in pursuit of her policy. Many people consider, and have stated, that Japan ought to be allowed to settle in the northern parts of Australia, consequently I reply to Mr. Fitzherbert that while Japan may not be threatening New Zealand to-day, it t® quite possible that she may be formulating plans for the settlement of northern Australia and the seizure of some of the islands which lie between Australia and Japan. I find it rather difficult to follow Mr. Fitzherbert’s train of thought. For instance. he says “if China, Russia and America did not threaten Japan, it was because Japan’s army and navy were too powerful to make threats worth while. Is this statement put forward as a justification for the invasion of Manchuria? Again, Mr. Fitzherbert says “we should not react too violently from our gratitude for Japan fighting Russia for us in 1905.” Is it a fact that Japan fought Russia for us or that we owe her any gratitude for doing so? Again, An alliance with America is impossible. That may or may not be true, bnt, anyhow, an “association” or “arrangement such as was arrived at during the Great War would be good enough for most people. Your correspondent says, “In any ease, if Japan goes too far, Britain America, China, Russia, France and Holland will be drawn together to resist, her. That is precisely my point, realising, as seems only too evident, that Japan has already •-one too far and thereby shown beyond doubt that she is quite capable of going a long way further if some method.is. not found for stopping her imperialistic career. , . , The representatives of every countrj represented at the Assembly of the League of Nations, except Japan, condemned that nation, and it is high time that the other nations situated arounct the Pacific Ocean got together to formulate a common policy of defence. —I am. etC ” SECURITY. October 12.