PACIFIC DEFENCE

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 February 1938, Page 7

PACIFIC DEFENCE

IMPORTANCE OF SINGAPORE

PROTECTION FOR DOMINIONS

(BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] LONDON, February 10. The Associated Press political correspondent says that it is understood, with the completion of the Singapore graving-dock, on i ebruary 14, British Naval expert opinion not only regards the dock as virtually impregnable, but considers that it would be exceedingly difficult for an enemy to attack New Zealand and Australia by sea or air. The actual base will not be completed for two years. Experts here are confident. that, even if the Japanese military and naval authorities extend their activities to the South Seas, they would have the greatest difficulty in attacking Australia and New Zealand. An essential prelude to this would be the command of the seas, requiring the capture of Hong Kong, Singapore, and the East Indies, immediately followed by the establishment of naval air bases. Moreover, an 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 factor, rendering an attack on New Zealand and Australia most difficult. The operations of an invader would be restricted by the lack of bases, coupled with which, Australia is in a position stoutly to resist, pending reinforcements. The present political position in the Pacific is regarded as equally favourable to New Zealand and Australia, if the Japanese contemplated an attack, because it is generally accepted that Russia, . although at the moment she is anxious to remain neutral, would immediately attack from Vladivostock. ' Those in well-informed circles believe that the United States, especially in view of Hawaii’s position in the’ Pacific, would not tolerate aggression against Malaya, the East Indies, New Zealand, and Australia. The European situation is such that little short of an invasion of British territories would provoke a British offensive in the Far East.