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Hokitika Guardian, 9 December 1940, Page 4

Tilt: semi-official statement issued in respect to the defence of British interests in the Far East and the Pacific, is increasing. Earlier Prime Ministers have indicated that the British Fleet, in an emergency, would require to be kept more in home waters and the distant Dominions were expected to make preparations betimes for their own defence. It is now stated, Mr Churchill has indicated that Singapore is to be defended to the last, if need be, which mans that the key point of British defence in the Far East will be supplied" with the fullest protection possible. Singapore is the most modern of British defences, and is credited with being stronger* than Gibraltar. Since the Dominions were first warned to care for their own defence, the air arm has come into prominence, and a strong air force such as Britain is developing, is of great adjunctive aid to the Navy. The Dominions likewise are participating very largely in this form of defence, and will have a wonderful personnel in a short time. The overseas airmen are to the fore in the European conflict, participating in the heaviest of the fighting. go, in emergency, the Dominion could do much to assist in defence and attack, should matters develop seriously in the Pacific. But the frank statement of Mr Churchill in itself will be a warning to potential enemies about what 'is to he expected of the British attitude if the war spreads to the Far East. Tho attitude is in keeping with the policy of the status quo which Britain has declared for, and the United States likewise. There is another aspect, Britain is placing at the disposal of America, her naval base in the Pacific, and Singapore has been particularised specially. The possibility of' AngloAmerican forces being joined in the pacific is not unlikely, if the ambitious ones overstep the mark. The central feature of the North Pacific course 'of events, however, remains the state of affairs in China. While Japan is lessening her grip on China, the Chinese are planning a retaliatory campaign for which purpose British and American funds are being , provided. This side-light on the general situation may therefore develop more interestingly.