THE H.B. TRIBUNE TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 1933 DRESS REHEARSALS?

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIII, Issue 106, 18 April 1933, Page 6

THE H.B. TRIBUNE TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 1933 DRESS REHEARSALS?

Discussion recently of the relatively weak position into which the British Navy has been allowed to drift suggests some reference to the movements of the two Pacific naval Powers, Japan and the United States. An Australian writer has recently recalled that, shortly before his death, Lord Roberts expressed the opinion that the scene of the next great war would be laid in that ocean. Omens, perhaps as yet not very definite, are not wanting in the way of pointing to possible fulfilment of this forecast. There can, in the first place, be but little doubt as to the reality of the apparent diplomatic tension between the two countries named. Although we recently heard that American meant to hold her hand from any immediate action in connection with Japanese activities in Manchuria, she has made no secret of the light in which sht regards them. Japan, on her part, is resentful at the distinctly unfriendly attitude thus adopted. It may, indeed, be said that all the dangerour antipathies that were aroused by America’s exclusion laws directly specially against Japanese immigrants have been strongly revived. That this has anything to do with the evolutions of the fleets of both nations can, of course, only be surmised, but there are not lacking keen observers who sot, or fancy they

see, some connection between them. In any event we know by the cable that on his recent visit to America, Mr. Matsuoka, fresh from speaking, and speaking very plain, for Japan at Geneva, expressed himself forcibly to the Press interviewers who called upon him on his arrival. He is reported to have said that improved relations between the United States and Japan would result if the United States navy withdrew from the Pacific, adding that Japan was not a vassal State to any nation. Even the most optimistic observer must feel discouraged by the outlook in the Pacific in view of such a pronouncement, especially when taken in conjunction with the “war-games” which have just been carried out by one of the greatest naval Powers in that ocean, and the further “wargames” which are scheduled for August next by another of the greatest naval Powers. It may or may not have been for Japan’s particular edification and consideration that the United States Admiralty chose the Pacific as the scene for spectacular manoeuvres of her combined fleets a couple of months or so back, while Sino-Japanese differences were still the subject of discussion by the League of Nations. Unlike most American exhibitions of the kind, very little in the way of press publicity was given to the details of this play of attack and defence, of which the first act was staged at Honolulu, but there would doubtless be plenty of Japanese “observers” there to bear or send the news to their own country. Anyway, it was carried out in full force on both sides and in the most impressive way to show the might of America’s Navy, with its air-force auxiliary, and the strength of the defences of her naval base on the island of Paku, with its vast store of war material, great docks and the largest oil reservoirs in the world. The scene was then shifted 2000 miles away, where Admiral C., with his cruisers, aircraft, and destroyers represented a hostile force advancing to attack the American coast, Admiral M. being charged with the defence. For this duty he was placed in command of the battleships which a few years back visited Australian waters, with ten light cruisers, 50 destroyers and many submarines —in all 250 ships, 500 aeroplanes, and 30,000 men, a goodly company. The judged results of the ensuing “battle” have been so far kept a close official secret, but there was no secret about the parade of sea power which the United States could bring into action against a real enemy. Japan’s reply to all this is not expected until next August. Then naval “exercises” in full strength will be conducted in the vicinity of the “mandated” islands which Japan is determined to retain in defiance of the League of Nations, and which constitute such a thorn in the side of the United States as guardian of the Philippines. It may be that if ever America and Japan come to actual grips it will be over their respective rights in these and neighbouring islands. Having regard to their inactive attitude over Manchuria, it seems altogether unlikely that the League or any of its member nations will trouble themselves about Japan’s retention of the mandated islands, so it will remain for the two big Pacific Powers to settle their own differences.