A PEACEFUL TRIP.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 3 December 1924, Page 5

A PEACEFUL TRIP.

AMERICAN NAVAL CRUISE. A “BETTER UNDERSTANDING.” CABLE PEERS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT WASHINGTON, Dec. 1. ' further inquiries regarding the Japanese opposition to tli© Hawaiian manoeuvres and the fleet’s visit to Australia show' that the Navy Department decided upon a summer cruise in the South Pacific as the natural substitute tor the usual Northern Pacific cruise.' Inis permits the ships to uifldergo a more strenuous test than has • normally, been given. The department also feeis * i contemplated trip will establish a better understanding between the United State and the islands of the Pacific, .including Australia. The State Department looks upon the project as a naval manoeuvre well within the bounds of Hio Anus Conference treaties,, and a general accepted form of international courtesy. It can foresee no international complications arisinS. from such an innocent summer cruise, and consequently cannot take steps, to prevent the Navy Department carrying out its plans. The naval . authorities in Congress likewise consider the project as having no Japanese aspect. Representative Curry (of California) said the four--1 ower pact gave America the right to fortify the Hawaiian Islands, and the manoeuvres are designed to show wiiat co-operation might lie necessary between the army and the navy fo/such. defence.

Representative McLafferty, of California', said the Arms Conference agreement prevents the United States from fortifying Guam and the Philippines. Dur • concession at the conference showed in no. uncertain terms how greatly we desire peace,” he said. The manoeuvres were being held merely to obtain information, and anyone who protested against such a step might, upon the same theory, protest against the navy securing any information whatso-ei-er that might be used for national defence.