Manawatu Evening Standard. THURSDAY, SEPT, 1, 1938 DEFENCE OF AMERICA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 234, 1 September 1938, Page 10

Manawatu Evening Standard. THURSDAY, SEPT, 1, 1938 DEFENCE OF AMERICA.

Since the breaking down of concerted efforts by the nations at Geneva and other conferences to bring about international harmony and reduce armaments, each peace-minded nation has in turn been compelled to follow the leader or leaders in the arms race. JModern science and inventions have dispelled the idea that some nations can pursue a policy of complacence because of remoteness from potential threats, and the most notable instance of this is to be found in a further expansion of the defence programme of the United States, which has already embarked on a colossal naval and aircraft building scheme, as well as recruitment of additional personnel. A cablegram from Washington, published this week, suggests that the Navy Department’s tentative construction programme for 1939 is drafted “with an eye on Europe’s g’loomy war clouds.” This may be so, but there is evidence that the tactical plans of the Navy’s experts fire based more with an eye on the Pacific than viewing events across the Atlantic. Whatever the cause, however, the fact of the United States finding it necessary to undertake such a gigantic programme as that already under way, added to the big appropriation contemplated,' should make every observer of international events think. deeply.' While, in the past the isolationist policy of the United States so far as European events are concerned has been a subject to deplore, and while it is regrettable that the arms race should have reached a scale never contemplated before, there is ground for consolation in the fact that the United States is taking the steps now in hand, since with them she is reiterating the same policy as Britain, almost every week in the past two or three years, has expressed—she will gladly help in every way to improve world conditions and prevent aggression, but while other nations arm themselves to the teeth she must protect herself by taking the necessary precautions.

The programme on which the United States is engaged envisages a tactical plan which calls for immense expenditure, since the territories to be adequately protected lie widely apart. The naval and air defence scheme is based-on a triangle, with its points midway across the Pacific, on the Pacific coastline of the American continent, and Alaska. The 'strategic importance of Alaska is only now being stressed ; there are many who perhaps regard it simply as a frozen waste and probably do not realise that it is United States territory. Yet it is considered by expert defence advisers to have, a o-reat strategic bearing on the

shortest route to the Orient from the United States. Despite the enormous strides, that have been made in naval and aviation construction, the range of warships and aircraft still has limits. Operating from the southern side of the triangle alone, or from the eastern side of it as well,' defence craft could not adequately protect the whole of the Cnited States territory, it is claimed. Hence the necessity for air and naval bases in the northern outpost, Alaska. Of particular interest to the British Empire, and especially Canada, with whom the United States preserves the most cordial relations, is the intimation that the United States Assistant-Secretary for Air has inspected alternative routes for a 2200-mile all-weather road across British Columbia, from Seattle to Fairbanks, Alaska. This artery for traffic would also be of great strategic importance in any scheme of coastal defence along the Pacific slope. While Britain is seeking to placate fiery international elements in Europe, the United States is making sure that she will not be caught napping in the Pacific. But the role of policeman is costing both nations dearly.