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Evening Star, Issue 17545, 28 December 1920, Page 4

It is not necessary to apologise for returning to the subject of naval Sea Power, defence. Many - national problems are receiving the anxious consideration of the statesmen of the Empire, but to those who live beneath the Southern Cross it is doubtful if aim transcends in importance the question W the defence of the Pacific. Valuable leY-; sons have been learnt from the war, and the nations who are most dependent on sea power for their security and well-being are devoting earnest attention to all matters bearing' on naval construction. In pre-war days Germany gave our Admiralty the most concern, and we may be thankful that those who were in charge of that department foresaw the possibilities, and in the face of many difficulties and hostility on the part of the Little Englanders succeeded, in maintaining a building programme that ultimately saved civilisation from disaster. But for our Navy Hindenburg's march into London would have been more than a dream. Germany, once a friendly rival,' is now eliminated. There remain two friendly rivals—America and Japan. There is no doubt that in certain parts of the United States a strong feeling hostile to England exists; but it is inconceivable that two nations which are bound by so many ties, and which, with all their faults, lead the van in civilisation, should ever come to blows. Japan throughout the war proved a staunch and loyal ally, and in the post-war problems conducted herself with dignity and forbearance. - But who can look into the future and say what course events will take? Our policy in the past has been the establishment and maintenance of a strong and united fleet. Events have justified' the wisdom of this, and it is reasonable to contend that a con-

tiiraity of that polioyi is essential in the interests of the Empire and of the world. Britain is not provocative. If she has had a giant's power, she has wielded it with justice and fairness'to all, and the seas of the world were an open highwav to every nation. ■There is much talk of. naval construction just now. Japan's great shipbuil ling yards, we may take it, are already busy preparing to put into concrete form the plans that, have been prepared by her naval architects and engineers. America's fleet, if the aggressive Mr Daniels had his way, would soon be placed in a position superior on paper to that of any other nation. Meantime our Admiralty stays its hand, for one reason because the lessons of the war have not been assimilited, and the all-important question of f at-.je types has yet to be decided. Opinions are sharply divided. Admiral Sir Percy Scott contends that the day of the battleship has -passed. Admiral Von 'Scheer, who commanded the German fleet at the Battle of Jutland, concludes that the large warships (battleship and cruiser) remain the foundation of sea power, and should be further developed. Lord Sydenham believes that the battleship and destroyer will fight the big actions, with the cruisers acting as scouts. He makes the important observation that after all the spirit ' of. those who man the ships is the deciding factor.

Another important aspect of the question is the part the League of Nations is likely to play in maintaining the future peace of the world. It is not too much to say that the meeting at Geneva of the Assembly of the League was unexpectedly successful, and a general desire was evinced to put it on a sound foundation, so that the superstructure may be effectively used for carrying out the aims for which the League was established. The Geneva correspondent of 'The Times,' in summing up the work of the Assembly, said that much had been done, but that next year's conference would undoubtedly be far more important. • A feature of the meetings was the unprecedented display of agreement from delegates from so many different countries. Here is hope for the future, and the result may be a great modification of the system of international armaments. The United' States, wedded to her selfish Monroe doctrine, stands coldly aloof in this great humanitarian movement; but it is to be hoped that wiser counsels will ultimately prevail, and that she will join hands with those nations who are endeavoring to establish a reign of peace on earth. " With the weight of her prestige added to that of the present members of the League, the unruly Powers of the world could be kept in order. In the meantime defence problems will necessarily occupy an important place in the councils of our Empire.