NAVAL RIVALRY

Grey River Argus, 12 February 1938, Page 9

NAVAL RIVALRY

JAPAN’S ANSWER To Western Powers’ Queries [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] TOKIO, February 10. Mr Noda said: “Though the Government is still considering the procedure of answering the British. French, and American inquiry into oiir naval plans, Japan has not changed her position whatever since she left the London Conference. Japan sticks to the formula of a common upper limit, both quantitatively and qualitatively." He said that the three Powers had signed a qualitative pact, as accom plishing something, yet, scarcely a year? after its ratification, they had already started quantitative expansion, while the position qualitatively I was - uncertain, proving that Japan’s proposal was fairer. — .... He added: “If we give the desired information, it would bind us qualitatively, which is unfair, while, if it is not given, it appears that others would make it a pretext for expansion; on the imaginary ground that Japan is expanding. Countries with smaller resources need greater secrecy, due to the greater necessity to build special . classes of warships, suitable to defend their security.” Mr Noda reiterated the policy of non-menace and non-aggression, and said: “We have no idea of starting a race, but if others’ expansion menaces our security, we will not sit idle.'” " : : •.

Singapore Base BRITISH CONFIDENCE. IN ITS PROTECTIVE VALUE. LONDON, February 10. The Associated ‘Press political correspondent says that it is’ understood, with the completion of. the Singapore graving-dock, on February 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, if 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 In-. dies, 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. U.S.A. NAVY QUESTION. WASHINGTON, February 10. On the resumption of the foreign policy debate, Mr Johnson called President Roosevelt’s Chicago address “irresponsible?’ He said that he would demand further information regarding the United States foreign policy. “I am for a big Navy, but do not favour alliances or any understanding, because that means war, and we would reap the same consequences as in 1918,” he said. Senator Lewis decried the danger of an impression being spread abroad that the United States is divided on foreign policy. Hd said: “These gentlemen who are crying out, who are they? Most of them are the very gentlemen who paraded the streets, denouncing President Wilson because he did not hasten this country into the War. I denounce them.”