CONTROL OF THE SEAS

Grey River Argus, 27 March 1943, Page 4

CONTROL OF THE SEAS

After the War PACIFIC AS U.S. “MARE NOSTRUM.” WASHINGTON, March 25. Plans for the defence of the Pacific after the war were among the subjects which th e British Foreign Minister (Mr. Eden)discussed in Washington. . ■ Thd United Press says it is believed from a Congressional source that arrangements will be made later whereby nations with Pacific interests will agree to a formula giving each a share of the policing responsibility. A similar formula will probably be made for the Atlantic. Interest was aroused in the Pacific negotiations several weeks ago following a Congressional statement that the United States should make the Pacific its “Mare Nostrum,” even if the necessary bases had to be seized by force. The leading Pacific Powers are reported to be willing to allow the United States assumption of primary responsibility in. the Pacific, butl the smaller Powers have expressed the fear that the United States may seek sovereignty, in their islands in which the United States has built naval and. air bases. The American plans for the Pacific are being held in abeyance pending the outcome of Mr. Eden’s conversations, but the subject has been discussed several times by the Pacific War Council. Several members of the Council are reported to have favoured the plan, provided there is a mutual defence system, with all nations having access to all the bases of other nations which are a party to the plan. A well-informed observer envisages the possibility of Britain ac ‘TP r ’‘ ing naval responsibilitv in the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, and the Atlantic eastward of 25 degrees west