ARMAMENT RACE

Grey River Argus, 11 February 1938, Page 7

ARMAMENT RACE

AND THE FAR EAST Anglo-American Understanding [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] LONDON, February 9. Professor Gilbert Murray, addressing the National Liberals, declared: “I have reason to believe that Britain has assured the American Government that she is ready immediately to support it, in any action which it may take in respect to Japan, facing any risk.” “The completion of the Singapore Base removes a potential danger to Australia and New Zealand, as well as Indo-Malaya,” declares the “Manchester Guardian,” in a leader. "Without Sinpagore, no battleship could be sent to the Pacific in an emergency, without a grave danger of loss. No other position could be found with greater strategic strength, while less threatening to other Powers. There is not a country which can reasonably complain that it is being intimidated. On the contrary, only a country seeking to control the whole of the East could one day find in the Singapore base an obstacle to its 'unnatural ambitions; Australia and New Zealand are not alone in feeling their defences are inadequate for their present needs, but concern is growing in French Indo-China, the Dutch East Indies, and elsewhere.” The keel of H.M.S. Nigeria was laid to-day in the Tyneside yard of Vickers Armstrong. She is the first of the Fiji class cruisers, five of which were ordered last Christmas.

Vice-Admiral Sir Percy Nobel, who arrived at Hong Kong on Saturday, has assumed command of the China Station, in succession to Admiral Sir Charles Little, who has been incapacitated through illness. Vice-Admiral Eyre Crabbe, who has been acting as commander, left, after handing over the command, for England by way of Singapore. It is expected, that he will attend the opening of the new Singapore dock on February 14th. Mr L. Hore-Belisha, Secretary for War, told the Commons that the number of recruits to the Army in the last three months was an increase of 32 per cent, bn the figure for the corresponding period last year. More than 9,000 recruits had joined the Army in the last three months, and Mr Hore-Belisha said that about 20,000 more were required to bring the Force up to full strength. U.S.A. DENIALS. [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] NEW YORK, February 9. The “New York Sun”, in a leader, says: Mr Hull’s categorical denials regarding a United States understanding or agreement with any Power should put an end to the unbased- belief entertained by many persons, that Britain has succeeded in enlisting the United States as an ally for the defence of the British Asiatic Empire. This belief has been assiduously cultivated by British propagandists. There has been much talk of common responsibilities a/id parallel courses. The United States’ acceptance of Australia’s in-

vitation to send a naval squadron to the celebrations, gave an opportunity for surprising tales to gain circulation. When, soon after this, it Was announced that a squadron would be present for the ceremonies at Singapore, even more amazing tales went to Congressmen, who are not less gulible than others. Whatever measure of acceptance the rumours won at the Capitol, they were recognised as appropriate pegs on which to hang questions. These questions at present are answered, and the answers are what sensible Americans confidently expected.

The “New York Times” continues a series of leaders on parallel lines, stating: It is unnecessary and unwarranted to look for an ulterior motive in the consultations with Britain regarding the Orient. The two nations have similar interests to face, with common risks and dangers, and it would be criminal folly for them to fail to explore each other’s purposes and methods. But the goal is not in some secret understanding; it is, rather, to seek openly and independently, but by similar action when the circumstances are similar, to take the most effective steps possible to protect national interests. There is bound to be a consultation between Britain and America, not ofl?y regarding the Far East, but other troubled areas, whenever a threat to peace arises, or a treaty which both have signed is thrown aside. This is not because a deep plot is being hatched, but it is because the two great democracies have a common interest in an orderly and stable world. JAPAN’S REPLY. TOKIO, February 9. It was semi-oflicially announced, after a meeting between the Navy Minister and the Premier, that Japan would definitely reject the Anglo-French-American "unreasonable inquiry,” regarding naval construction. The 'reply to the notes will be delivered on February 11, s imultaneously with the issue of a statement clarifying Japan’s attitude. FRENCH ARMAMENTS. [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] LONDON, February 9. The “Daily Telegraph’s” Paris correspondent says: The Chamber’s Army, Navy and Air Committees, at a secret session, unprecedently heard M. Daladier speak on the armament position, as Co-ordination Minister. He declared that France was lagging a year behind Italy and Germany in war material and aeroplanes, which was unalterable until the 40-hour week was further relaxed. M. Bartrand intimated that the Government was building two additional 35,000-ton warships. Unless building was speeded up the Italian fleet would be superior to the French fleet, by 1942. FRESH AMERICAN DENIAL. MURRAY’S STATEMENT REFUTED [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] (Received February 10, 8.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, February 10. The United States Secretary of State (Senator Cordell Hull) has commented on Professor Gilbert Murray’s statement to a Liberal meeting in London, that Britain is assured of United States support in the event of Britain’s involvement in

any Far Eastern difficulties threatening the United States. Senator Hull said that he “had not heard of any such assurances from Britain or from any other country.” BRITISH FOOD STORAGE PROPOSAL. RUGBY, February 9. A private member’s motion, urging the Government to undertake the building of new or the extension of existing food storage plants, immune from air attack, was debated in the Commons. Sir T. Inskip, replying for the Government, said that the plans for the emergency distribution of food had been practically completed. The, needs of the defence services came first, home production second, and food storage third. The home production of wheat, sugar, and other food supplies had increased. He assured the House that the Government recognised food storage as an important part of the plan for the maintenance of the national food supply. He declined to go into details, the disclosure of which might affect -prices, but he opposed the idea of the Government being urged to build storage plants, when the necessities of rearmament demanded the fullest use of the national building resources. The motion was defeated by 193 votes to 130. U.S.A. ARMY "PURGE.” 26 OLDER GENERALS TO RETIRE. (Received February 10, 11 p.m.) WASHINGTON, February 10. To make room for younger blood, twenty-six of the Generals in the United States Army are to be retired during the present year. Their average age is becoming 54 years this year. 'THEFT OF JAP NAVAL PLANS. DEFIED BY U.S.A. AUTHORITIES. (Received February 10, 10.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, February 10. The U.S. Navy authorities officially deny reports circulating from Lon don that Mr Ingersoll (United States envoy) possessed copies of plans which are purported to have been stolen from the plans of Japan’s naval programme. The Navy authorities reiterated that Mr Ingersoll’s visit was to clear up confusion as to what is meant by standard tonnage referring to warships. ; .