Defence of the Pacific

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 32, 1 November 1933, Page 11

Defence of the Pacific

Sir, —I have to thank both “Dialsight” and "Pharos” for their courteous replies to my letter and their explanation of the absence of Japanese in New Zealand. " hen, however, one considers the large numbers of a similar race, the Chinese, resident here one feels that the lack of Japanese must have some significance and I’earing on the present situation. Dialsight says that the manufacturer ot arms may try to magnify the causes of wars to sell his wares but he cannot do so if there is no cause. I feel that a country producing just the things Japan requires should endeavour to be on the most friendly terms with her, for, in mutual trade, both stand to gam much. Talk of the Japanese menace cannot bring about confidence and friendly relations. “Pharos” touches on an interesting point. Has the British nation any moral right to the unoccupied land in Northern Australia? While obtained in a rather less spectacular manner the colonies were gained in exactly the same way as-it is alleged the Japanese will conquer New Zealand. The problem of unoccupied territories is one that will ever be recurring, and it is certain that the declaration of war would only postpone it for a generation. While the older generation may once again take the easiest way out of the international problem, the next generation' are going to tackle it without resort to a defensive ■war. .Thinking men cannot fail to be impressed,by, the numbers of young people all over the world and even in .Japan who are convinced that wars are no real solution to international difficulties. I believe that the present scare is a reply to this youth peace movement.—l am, . ■ ANTI-SCAREMONGER. ' Wellington, October 28.