The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times. Monday, OCTOBER 16, 1933. WARS ALARMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 October 1933, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times. Monday, OCTOBER 16, 1933. WARS ALARMS.

I'hk air is becoming highly charged uith alarm of wars. The scaremongers evidently have free play for the exercise of their stories and deductions, ihe general situation can be guaged best by the movement of the Great Powers, particularly in regard to rnuai rearmament. The definite refusal of the United States to drop her big navy proposals, may have something tangible behind it. The movement began before the voice of tire scaremonger was so pronounced, and the Americans, may have had information in advance. Japan is definitely rearming, also, and a bellicose spirit is being cultivated. Home defences are being strengthened in such a manner as to stir the'imagination of the people. That may have an ulterior object, for the invasion of Japan should be rather a remote probability. It is being given out that Manchuria is not panning out to expectations, and tint the mineral resources are not as prolific as was expected originally. Besides, the country is well overrun with Chinese, leaving less room for. Japanese. At the same time the climate is very rigorous, ':>.nd altogether is not too desirable a trophy of war. Still, the Japanese are persistent and have overcome tremendous odds, and will be able to make much of their prize. They sacrificed enormously to win possession of the country, and were no doubt fully alive to its potentialities: It will take an effort and much finance to establish themselves, securely in the country, and the task will not be done quickly, nor can it be left undone or poorly done. Japan will have her hands full with Manchuria for some time to come, and to go further afield from the hoiDe base means ell or molts preparation and great organisation, In Europe, Germany is the unknown quantity, and at present is bargaining for the best terms in military advantage. The nations concerned at Geneva are endeavouring to reach an agreement by compromise, which means concessions more or less liberal to German ambitions. And in the end the nation will not lie satisfied, but will continue to be a disturbing member of the European concert. Great Britain is to strengthen her navy, which appears in the light of u'orld events, to be palapably necessary. Britain is helping overseas, and Australia and New 7 Zealand are to be served with better warships. Both the Commomvenlth and the Dominion are to improve coastal defence, and to strengthen the aerial arm, which as far as this country is concerned, has been insignificant. These steps would not have been taken in the present financial position without a hint \or move) from the highest powers controlling Empire defence, and it- perhaps the most significant aspect °f the present situation. The Singapore Bi'.se is to be hurried to completion ahead of time, and British naval strength in the Pacific is likely to grow substantially. These alarms arid excursions with regard to war, and the sensational statements by irresponsible persons, could hardly be without some foundation. And so, it is necessary, being forwarned to be forearmed. To prepare for war is the soundest defence policy, and the stiate of the world is such that the signs and portents of the times cannot be ignored. We may he sure that the world situation is being watched closely and that at Geneva the possibilities are being fully explored, but till there are signs of a letting up in warlike preparations, we may be sure the situation is more or less serious and pregnant with serious possibilities.