The Evening Star THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1938. DEFENCE OF THE PACIFIC.

Evening Star, Issue 23123, 24 November 1938, Page 12

The Evening Star THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1938. DEFENCE OF THE PACIFIC.

It is reported Toy tlie Hoarst Press that the Australian Federal Government has approached Washington with a suggestion that the United States should cooperate in strengthening the defence system in the Pacific. Whether this be true or not, it is an entirely reasonable suggestion. The policy of Mr Hearst and his chain of newspapers, which are printed in most of the large cities between New York and San Francisco, is largely based on sensationalism, so it is natural that Australia’s desire should be attributed to some extraordinary motive. In this case it is declared to be a growing fear among Australians -that because of their leanings towards State Socialism the “ proNazi clique controlling the Chamberlain Government ” is prepared to sacrifice them in order to make a deal with Japan over China. This, of course, is absurd, but it is in the traditional Hearst style. If such a proposal has been advanced by Mr Lyons and his Ministers it can be taken for granted that it would in no way depart from the plans to build up a coordinated Empire policy. Federal Ministers on many occasions have declared that the safety of Australia—and that means New Zealand as well—is based on a complete understanding and frequent consultation with the British Government. The interest of America in the Far East is easy to see. She has great trading and financial interests there, she fears that Japanese activities may menace them, and she is the guardian of the Philippines. There is good reason, consequently, for Anglo-American co-operation in the Far East for the creation of a comprehensive defence system that will be used entirely for protective purposes and not aggression. America is under an obligation to protect the Philippines, though inforentially that should lapse in 1945. The Filipinos for more than a decade pressed vigorously for complete independence. Ultimately Congress in Washington agreed that in ten years from November 15, 1935, the Filipinos should automatically take over full sovereignty and become the “ Philippine Republic.” This offer was accepted, and there was much rejoicing among the people. - Lately, however, a note of doubt has been heard. Tho Filipinos, in the light of the developments in tho Far East, are not so happy about the concession that was made to them. Under American control the inhabitants of the island gained many advantages, including tho free entry of Philippine goods to the United States market and security from outside aggression. In the circumstances it is quite possible that the ordinance granting full sovereignty may not be put into effect on the date prescribed. There have been many complaints from the Philippines of persistent Japanese penetration. It is evident, therefore, that the burden the United States took after the war with Spain is not to be lightly laid down. America and the Empire have much community of interest in tho Pacific, and if they acted together security could ho effectively gained. Britain has the great Singapore base, and a

powerful defence system lias been constructed at Hongkong. France comes into the picture, too. She has harbours suitable for naval operations along the Gochin-China coast, and it has been urged that a strong naval base should be created at Kam-Ranh, about midway between Hongkong and Singapore. The Dutcli have efficient naval squadrons in their ports in the East Indies, for they are vitally concerned about the possibilities. Having extensive mutual interests in the Eastern regions, and various obligations, and all strongly desirous of maintaining peace, the advisability of co-opera-tive efforts are clearly seen. A united front could be presented in case of emergency by countries having no territorial ambitions and being desirous only of protecting their interests and the populations under their control from outside aggression.