SINGAPORE BASE

Hokitika Guardian, 11 February 1938, Page 5

SINGAPORE BASE

A NEW DOCK

ATTACK ON N.Z. DISCUSSED.

(United Press Association—By Eleclrifl ;

Telegraph—Copyright)

(Received this day at 11.0 a.m.). LONDON, February 11. The Associated Press political correspondent says that it is understood that with the completion of the Singapore graving dock on February 14, British naval expert opinion not only regards the dock as virtually impregnable but considers that it will be exceedingly difficult for an enemy to attack New Zealand and Australian 'by.sea or air. The actual base will not. be completed for 2 years. Experts here are confident that even if the Japanese military and naval authorities extend their activities to the South Seas, they would liavo the greatest difficulty in attacking Australia and New Zealand. An essential prelude to this would be the command of the Seas requiring the capture of Hong Kong, Singapore, and the East Indies, immediately followed by tlie establishment of a naval air base. Moreover attacking forces would have to overcome mines, submarines, aircraft and shore batteries before attempting to seize Singapore. Consequently the prospect of such, operations succeeding are very remote.

Apparently experts consider that despite developments "in aerial warfare that distance is still a vital and strategic factor in rendering an attack on New Zealand or Australia most difficult. The operations of the invader would be restricted by a lack of bases, counied with which Australia is in a position to stoutly resist pending reinforcements. The present political position in the Pacific is regarded as being equally favourable to New Zealand and Australia c,f the Japanese contemplating an attack, because it is generally accepted, that Russia, although- at- the moment anxious to remain, neutral, would immediately attack from Yladivostock. Those well-informed circles boTiove that the United States speciality Hawaii’s position in the Pacific' and would not tolerate aggression against Malaya, the East Indies, New Zealand , and Australia;.’,j The European sjlijatjon jis suqhffthat ’a little short of an invasion of British territories would provoke a British offensive in the Far East.