A FRIENDLY QUARREL

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 107, 9 May 1938, Page 8

A FRIENDLY QUARREL

The ownership of two Pacific islands,' Canton and Enderbury, which suddenly asfeumed importance because of air developments and defence requirements, is expcctcd to be settled shortly, and with the settlement will end one of the most friendly disputes in the field of international politics. The contesting parties are Great Britain and the United States, and for some time representatives of both nations have been in joint occupation of the territory, awaiting in a most amicable manner the outcome of the negotiations. Comprehensive dossiers have been prepared by both sides, and, judging by recent reports, the facts contained in these dossiers are such that something akin to the judgment of Solomon has had to be invoked. According to the Washington correspondent of the "New York Times, there is a prospect of an arrangement for the joint jurisdiction of the islands. This is all to the good. Not only is it an example of what can be achieved by peaceful negotiation, but it is a pleasing confirmation of the spirit of friendship existing between Great Britain and America. Throughout the discussions,_ Great Britain has adopted what might be termed a benevolently neutral attitude towards America's claim for possession. There are good reasons why tliis should be so. The United Slates believes that possession of the islands is an essential part of its general scheme of preparedness in the Pacific, a scheme which contemplates a comprehensive sea-line extending southward to Samoa, westward to the Philippines, and north-

ward to the Aleutians. Great Britain can have no quarrel with such a scheme, for it is realised that in the defence or safeguarding of the Pacific the two English-speaking nations must walk hand in hand. It is interesting to note also that there is a likelihood of negotiations being opened in regard to other Pacific islands and to the Antarctic area, with the possibility of other countries being brought into the discussions. An extension of snch methods to the more important disputes between the nations of the world would make the future a much more hopeful prospect. I