The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1937. THE MEDITERRANEAN.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 September 1937, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1937. THE MEDITERRANEAN.

The Mediterranean Sea has become a sphere of special interest. Developing from the Spanish position and the rival backing of European nations to both sides, underwater craft have begun to take part. The submarines have been operating on national slii pH whose flags are not favourable to the rebels, though some of the nations are not participating actively, hut rather endeavouring to minimise the scope of the conflict and so bring it lo an earlier termination. Not to put too fine a point to the situation, some of those suffering openly alleged these “pirate” submarines as they have been described, are Italian, while on behalf of General Franco, the leader of the rebels, there has been the announcement that four submarines were acquired on his behalf. Now we have New Zealand coming prominently into the picture, and the High Commissioner attending the League of Nations, not only traduces the recent events, but names the attackers who recently showed rentless venom against the occupants ol a large ship Torpedoed. However. Britain and France, assisted hv several smaller nations bordering 011 the Mediterranean. have moved to suppress this piracy. Both Italy and Germany were invited to participate in the conference. hut co-operating in unison declined for a flimsy reason to take part.

Nevertheless, the scheme was brought to a bead, and is now being enforced. Realising the position of the largo licet of British and French warships brought to the Mediterranean, Italy protests and is joined in the protest by the ally. While the door is open lot; Italy to come into the scheme, -Mr Eden announces it is to go on even without Italy, and in all the circumstances, it is to be hoped Britain will stand linn on that resolve. In addition to the usual fleet held by Britain in the -Mediterranean, a section oi the Home \or Atlantic) fleet lias been sent to the danger zone. Britain thus is represented by a display of naval miglTT, and as the French fleet in those waters is considerable, the* defensive (pialities of the patrol can he realised. Tn addition there Is an air patrol which it may he expected will lie of large diinensions also. The -Mediterranean is an essential seaway for Britain to India, the Far East, and Australia, and must be kept safe lor British ships at all costs. That contingency leads to the belief that Britain will not temporise unduly at this stage, hut will be decisive in action. It would appear that a stiff attitude in this and other matters is now essential. It is true probably that Britain has been losing prestige internationally by the temporising acts of the recent past. That has been accounted for unofficially by the need for time to prepare defence. But the world is now led to believe that British preparations though still going full speed ahead, are advanced to safely point. It has to he remembered that it is a troubled Europe and Asia at present, and British interests are so involved in both continents that the leaders must move warily, rather than jeopardise the whole by precipitancy in one quarter. Hasty judgment on the situation at one point more than another would lie a mistake. So far as the Mediterranean centre is concerned, and it is most vital, Britain appears to be strongly entrenched and thereby safe for the time being.