PACIFIC PROBLEMS

Gisborne Times, Volume LV, Issue 6142, 28 July 1921, Page 5

PACIFIC PROBLEMS

POSITION IN PACIFIC NOT SAFE

MR MASSEY’S FINE SPEECH AT _ BATH.

BRITAIN SHOULD SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE.

(United Press Association—Copyright.) LONDON, July 26.

,Tt is evident from the exceptional prominence given’ 1 by the London proi vincial press to tlie speech of Mr Massey at Bath and editorial comments that it is, regarded as the ( most important since his first ad- ! dress on arrival. The speech was dei livered at a luncheon after the freedom ceremony to a gathering of 300 people, who frequently cheered Mr Massey’s vigorous , straight-out uttoFciriCGS The Daily Telegraph sasy: “The function was chiefly notable for the speech, of Mr Massey,” and publishes it in extenso. Mr Massey said he believed the conference deliberations will result in the bonds of Empire being strongger than six months ago. One of the problems was - to get the distant countries of the Empire, together and reconcile conflicting interests; ■so that all could speak, with one voice and act as one nation. The League of Nations had dome good work, but he still thought the Empire ' should he ready to meet an attack at sea. He hoped the Conference ‘at Washington would he successful. He desired to see British representatives there. He was not speaking personally of Mr Hughes and himself, as that might be impossible, hut lie wanted to see British representatives there, speaking with one voice. He instanced that one of the lessons of the war was the necessity for a strong navy, to keep open communications for the British . Empire’s chain of ! nations round the world. If a foreign j nation took possession o.f a part of British territory and the navy was too small to get it back the Empire , would .certainly go to pieces in such j circumstances. He knew the difficul- ; ties of finance at this period, but we , must accept risk. We could not af- j ford to run it. A navy could not be , built in six months like an army, j A strong navy was a .question of life j and death to the South Pacific. The j present position was not -safe, and j could not be tolerated. j The Morning Post says: “We commend to serious consideration the warning of Mr Massey, who stated in plain words that in respect of naval defence, the Empire was taking . risks the. Empire could not afford. Never, in comparison with ot-Jier navies had Britain fallen so low. We discern in Mr Massey’s observations appreciation of the requirements of naval defence, which is one of the most valuable results of the Con-

j ference.” ! The Bristol Times says it was the ! speech of ,a distinguished states- ! man. , ~ The Times has a leader on the necessity of arrangements whereby Australia and New Zealand could lie fully heard on Pacific problems at the Disarmament 'Conference. — Special to P.A.

JAPAN COULD DEFY THE WORLD.

‘ ‘IF SHE GETS CONTROL OF CHINA!” (Received July 27, 9.50 p.m) SYDNEY, July 2(

Speaking at the Millions Club on the Far Eastern question, Professor Keyte, of Shantung University, said: ~ “At present Japan is unable to wage a first class war, because she cannot control sufficient raw materials, but, if she could secure control of China’s resources, she could defy the world and in allowing her, much less assisting her, to get this control we are putting into iier hands a sword such as we have never had to fear before —A. and N.Z.C.A.

A JAPANESE SUGGESTION. fc NO FORTIFICATIONS IN PACIFIC

FREEDOM OF THE SEAS. TOKIO, July 26. Tt is understood" that Japan’s iormal acceptance of the conference has been dispatched to Washington. The Japanese Naval Department has prepared a draft suggestion of disarmament based on freedom of the seas, and non-fortification of any of the ’ Pacific Islands, including Hawaii and Guam. Japanese acceptance is based on the suggestion that a prcliminarv conference of the Powers be held to prepare an agenda for the normal conference. (Received July 28, 1 a.m.) TOKYO, July 25.

The vice Minister of the Department of the Interior in the Canton Government, has arrived here to seek Japanese* recognition of the South China Government. He states that the Canton Government is sending Mafoo, secretary to Dr Sun Yat Sen, to Washington to watch the Pacific conference on behalf of his Governjnent.—Reuter.

WASHINGTON CONEERENCE. AMERICA AND JAPAN MUST ADJUST DIFFICULTIES.

July 27, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, July 27. It was unofficially stated to-day that the prospects of the disarmament Conference are regarded as hopeful provided America and Japan adjust their differences happily beforehand.—A. and N.Z.O.A,

NORTHCLIFFE IN AMERICA. PACIFIC PROBLEMS MUST BE SOLVED. BRITAIN’S DIFFICULT TASK.

(Received July 27, 9.10 p.m.) NEW YORK, July 26. Lord Northcliffe, interviewed, said he did not know what his plans would he when he arrives in Australia. He wanted to see the people of Australia, more than .the Governmerits and did not desire banquets and official receptions. He expected to spend a week in New Zealand and then go to Australia for three weeks, afterwards going to the Philippinefl. Referring to the Imperial eonterence Lord Northcliffe said its par’ m bringing up the Pacific cnostion was undoubtedly beneficent. It was an invaluable thing for them to get together to discuss matters or close interest. Mr Harding’s conference call was highly commendable. He could only hope it would accomplish the end desired as speedily as then friends expected it would. “Americans have not yet, Lord. Northcliffe added, ‘.‘had as much experience as we in seeing the politicians of sixteen different nationalities battled together behind closed doors. They don t settle a series of difficult Questions within forty-eight hours. Ihe Washington conferees will probably meet in many cities throughout the country even meeting up in Canada, but.' after a considerable period of time, it can be expected .that they will Solve their problems.”—A., and N.Z.O.A.