The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1940. PACIFIC CALM.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 September 1940, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1940. PACIFIC CALM.

The drawing together of the United States and Britain for the benefit of international defence is likely to have useful repercussions all round the world. In the Pacific for instance theie were disturbing factors since the surrender of France and Holland to Germany as to the future of the colonial possessions. Japan nas shown anxiety about both Indo-China and the Dutch area, but the United States interposed to state that the status quo should be preserved. Since then the tension lias relaxed. Japan occupies a central position.in f ,the Northern Pack, fic. Apart from the Island home, Japan has mandate over the Marshall Group, directly to the north of New Guinea and Australia. These islands are reputed' to be fortified, as well as established as a naval base. The secrecy surrounding the doings of Japan with the.islands has been the cause of much surmise, and even alarm. Rut while there, has been a feeling of doubt in the matter, Japan has developed more fuendly relations with Australia. The countries have grown more and more identified in trade, as Japan has been a good customer, and a steady flow of shipping passes between the two countries, Generally, Japan depends largely on her Pacific trade, which includes that with the United States, and in return relies heavily' on America lor essential supplies. But since the Japanese invasion of China, and consequent treatment of foreign nations’ interests in China by Japan, the United States has refused to renew the trade treaty. The position is that it is possible for America to cut off supplies to Japan at any time, and as tire greater nation, it has a considerable lover. Fortunately the .authorities are sensible, and show no sign of adopting extremes It is manifest that the two countries need each other in their respective spheres, and the spirit of the good neighbour should ensure friencUv relations being maintained to mutual advantage. The present war is also putting a different complexion on world affairs. Now that the United States is becoming closer to Br'tain in the desire to save the small nations, and free the world from ruthless aggression, it will be recognised that there is reason to expect them to come still closer together. The sacrifice that will he ini volved will create honds not lightly •severed. Remembering, too, that the British and the United State's are the two most powerful naval countries in the work!—and the navies are still being enlarged—no "ountry could afford to affront either nation with the object of achieving some purpose at the expense of a lesser nation. The two countries will continue to champion the small nations, and as the United Stales has'laid it down already, will uphold the status quo. Aggregation by conquest will he out of the question, and with the ending of the presuit war in Europe successfully, and the introduction of a new order for the nations, Japan’s place in China might be a subject for review., With the contingent risks apparent it were wise to take stock of the possibilities, and remember where undue aggression i might lead.