SINGAPORE BASE

Evening Star, Issue 22880, 11 February 1938, Page 12

SINGAPORE BASE

VIRTUALLY IMPREGNABLE COMPLETE STOPPER TO JAPAN IN THE PACIFIC treot Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, February 10. (Received February 11, at 10 a.m.) The Associated Press Association’s political correspondent says it is understood that with the completion of the Singapore graving dock on February 14 British naval expert opinion not only regards the dock as virtually impregnable, but considers it would be exceedingly difficult for an enemy to attack Now Zealand and Australia by eea or air. The actual base will not be completed for twb years.

Experts here are confident that even if Japanese military and naval authorities extend their activities to the-South Seas they would have the greatest difficulty ia attacking Australia and New Zealand. An essential prelude to this would bo command of the seas, requiring, the capture of Hongkong, Singapore, and the East Indies, immediately followed by the establishment of naval *ir basest Moreover, the attacking force would have to overcome mines, submarines, aircraft, and shore batteries before attempting to seize Singapore, consequently the-prospect of such an operation succeeding is very remote. Apparently the experts consider, despite the developments in aerial warfare, that distance is still a vital and strategic factor, rendering an attadk on New Zealand or Australia most difficult. The operations of the invader would be restricted by lack of bases, coupled with which Australia be in a position stoutly to resist pending reinforcements.

The present political position in the Pacific is regarded as equally fayourable to New Zealand and Australia if the Japanese contemplated an attack, because it is generally accepted that Russia, although at the moment anxious to remain neutral, would immediately attack from Vladivostock. Those in well-informed circles believe that the United States especially, in vievr of Hawaii’s position in the Pacific, Would not tolerate aggression against Malaya, the East Indies, New Zealand, or Australia. The European situation is such that little short of invasion of British territories would provoke a British offensive in the Far 1 East.