Japan Bound to Lose

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 171, 22 July 1939, Page 3

Japan Bound to Lose

THREE-POWER COUNCIL PLAN LONDON, July 11. If war broko out between japan and Britain it would settle down into a war of attrition, said Vice-Admiral C. V. UTsoorne, former Director of tho Naval Intelligence Division, in a broadcast talk on “Defence Problems in tho FaeiJic.” ‘ ‘ But one must look furtner than the setoack to local British interests which would result at first,” ne went on. “No country except America could compete witn U 3 ultimately in the production of warsiiips, anil the war would bo like many otuers which Britain lias fought. *‘ 1 predict with confidence that the result would bo a stiffening of Chinese resistance and ultimately Japan’s exhaustion and defeat.

“This would apply even if our main forces were engaged at homo in a life-and-deafh struggle. If reason swayed Japanese policy, she would discontinue her aggression and come to an agreement witn Britain. ” Vice-Admiral Usborne suggested a three-Power council between Britain, France and tho United States. Such a council could send joint Notes to Japan, which could not be disregarded, for the strength of the three countries could not be challenged.

Britain had to maintain sufficient forces iu European waters, and the naval squadron which could be sent East at present would bo of a size which would have to act on the defensive. As it would be based on Singapore, it could not take offensive action, but could protect Australia and New Zealand, among other places. But Britain had the capacity for building up her fleet, and had a valuable ally in France.