The Grey River Argus. WEDNESDAY, January 24, 1934. THE PACIFIC—AND BEYOND IT.

Grey River Argus, 24 January 1934, Page 4

The Grey River Argus. WEDNESDAY, January 24, 1934. THE PACIFIC—AND BEYOND IT.

The armament issues in the spheres where distinct rivalries exist present more than one control. In Europe it is mainly land and air forces that are now in question, whereas in the Pacific naval armaments and defences are al stake. Another difference is that, while in Europe there is now talk of reconciling the chief disputants, Germany and France, by means of mediation, presumably by Britain, with the support of Italy, there is no suggestion of anything of the kind as between Japan on the one hand and Britain and America, on the other. Moreover, while there are in Europe increasing trade rivalries. they do not run anywise parallel with, but across the political differences, whilst in the ease of Japan, it is easy to see that her trading progress is viewed wii*h quite as much hostility by America and Britain as her-arma-ments and her advance on the Asiatic mainland, which latter is left indeed to be chiefly the concern of Russia alone. The recent review of Japan’s prosition and aims by her Foreign Minister. M. Hirota, goes to show that she is disposed to confine her political ambitions to the Far East, seeking the co-operation of China, with the idea of consolidating her own position in that quarter, whilst being desirous of goingfurl her afield in trading expansion. Insofar as Japanese influence might extend northward and westward on the Continent beyond the borders of Manchukuo, the Soviet is naturally disposed to question it. and is now increasing alike the population, economic development and defences of its Far Eastern provinces. The deadlock over the Chinese Eastern Railway appears now in course of settlement, while the Japanese advance on the Continent is turning southwestward, so that the danger of an immediate clash with Russia is lessening. The Soviet is not only well-informed as to international relations, but makes no secret of its perception that in the Far East there is now a regrouping of forces, similar to that, in

Europe before the war, with a tendency to isolate the Japanese, and Russia may anticipate that if hospilities ever occur, they may not involve herself, but other Powers at present professing a comparative aloofness. Insofar as M. Hirota characterised the international situation on one of economic disorder, he was rigid, and it is true for him that the trade of his country is meeting exceptional obstacles in one country after another. It has, nevertheless, to be realised that Japan has grown to be one of the greatest manufacturing countries, and at the same time a rapidly ex-

panding market for raw materials ' such as our wool. Australian grain and wool, Indian cotton, and metals from various coiun tries. Presently she will absorb i a great deal more of foodstuffs] from oversea. These eonsidera- I tions indicate the wisdom of Aus- I tralian in sending to Japan a : trade mission. Japan considers j bar’s to be the main responsibility in the maintenance of peace in the Far East, and renews her I pledges of friendship for the Bri- ; tish Empire. Contrary to form-1 er reciprocity, the one profession is now being scounted with as much questioning as the other in certain quarters. It is.most probable that these quarters are chiefly those of the trading interests. Lancashire, in particular, demands a drastic check on the Japanese textile trade, and has secured some respite in India through the recent readjustment of Japanese trading there. But when an Ame. riean newspaper conies to light with a defence of the Singapore naval expansion of Britain, it indicates that at least politieally Japan has to reckon in the Pacific with both of the other two great naval Poweps. The Russians point out that the Singapore Base has a relation, not to polities, but to oil! The New York paper quoted in to-day’s cables refers to the base as a safeguard for Australasia and the British Indies, not to mention the Phillippines, from.which, it says. America may presently pull out politically. It is also cabled that the Japanese are now uperseding the Americans- with their textiles in the Philippines. But the Dutch at the 1921 Wash ington Conference secured international guarantees for the security of their East Indian colonies ,and they fear that, since Japan successfully and freely inaded Manchuria, the Washington Treatyies might not prevent her seizing the oil ports of Borneo. belonging to Holland, in the event of war in the Pacific. The. oil business is an affair of international capitalism, and it is as much with an eye to its defence as that of this country or Australia that our naval defence is declared to bedependent on forces up at the Equator, instead of much newer Australasian shores. Meantime. America and Japan are increasing thier navies, and each is looking to the strengthening of strategical naval bases in advanced Pacific islands. Whether these are any safeguard, or the reverse, one thing is obvious. The big armament firms are going to do well so long as there is large expenditure on bases, warships. air armaments and munitions. How much of the uncertainty is worked up on their behalf it is hard to determine, but what cannot be ignored is that at the root of the armament rivalry lies trade rivalry. It cannot be fairly said perhaps, that the Singapore Base is a threat to Japan, because it is a long way from that country. By the same token, it cannot be regarded as primarily a defence for Australasia, because it is just as distant from its populated regions. In short, all of the indications are the if there is any war menace in the Pacific to-day, it arises from a trade war.