PEACE OF THE PACIFIC

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 14 January 1936, Page 4

PEACE OF THE PACIFIC

AN American author and journalist, who recently visited New Zealand, is reported to have said that, in the event of international trouble in the Pacific, “it will be America, not Britain, who will protect the Dominion (New Zealand). Britain is too far off and has her hands full of European affairs.” it has long been realised by statesmen and journalists alike, that Australia, New Zealand, and the United States are greatly interested in the political and economic future of the countries which border the Pacific Ocean. At the same time it has been recognised that Britain, as a WorldPower, is also interested in that ocean. If that is not so, what is the meaning of the creation at Singapore of a naval base in which Britain is as deeply interested as are Australia, New Zealand, and India? There is no doubt that it was with a view to the protection of the countries named, that the base was created, and it is clear that Britain must be recognised as one of the nations which will shape future events in Pacific countries. It is pleasing to learn that an American, of intelligence and standing, is of the opinion that the interests of the Uni Led States, Australia, and New Zealand are associated, in that they are countries bordering the Pacific, but it would create an entirely wrong perspective if Britain were left out of the picture. The American was right when he drew attention to the danger there is of Britain becoming dangerously involved in the affairs of Europe. Her interests are world-wide. Undoubtedly Britain has interests in Europe, but, measured by the volume of her trade, they are not so great as are her interests in the world outside of Europe. It has been said that the future of the British Empire, including the Dominions, is more likely to be decided in the Pacific than on the Continent of Europe. It is true that the United States’ interests in the Pacific are very great, neither do those interests clash with Britain’s interests in the same ocean. It follows, therefore, that there is no real reason why the Governments of Britain, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand should not agree upon a policy of mutual protection, so far as their interests in the Pacific are concerned.