SITUATION IN PACIFIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19780, 29 October 1927, Page 11

SITUATION IN PACIFIC.

JAPANESE NAVAL POWER. ARBITER OF THE FAR EAST. BRITISH EMPIRE'S POSITION. AMERICAN OFFICER'S VIEWS. By Telegraph—Preßb Association- Copyright (Received October 28, 9.30 p.m.) A. and N.Z. LONDON, Oct 28. The naval situation in the Pacific is the text of an article by an American, Lieutenant-Commander Clifford Tinker, in Brassey's Naval Annual. He says that, not to be outdone by nature's lavish gifts to Japan, Britain and the United States at the Washington Conference actually rushed Japan into the position of arbiter of the destinies of the Far East. But the fateful gift might not be an unmixed blessing, as Japan was in danger of acquiring naval indigestion. Already her Treasury was in difficulties. Japan's colonies and mandates were interfused across the Pacific and threatened America's territories, and were not a source of unalloyed comfort to the Dutch East Indies, Australia and New Zealand. The combined Pacific squadrons .of Britain, Australia, and New Zealand were little more than a coastguard force. Such a small md widely-dispersed fleet was a temptation to those who were imbued with ulterior motives in Asiatic affairs to engage in aggressive programmes, but in the event of an emergency Britain could send to the Western Pacific such a fleet with supporting troops that Japan must pause before precipitating a collision. Nevertheless nothing but inspired sagacity and self-sacrificing action would suffice for a British success in a major naval campaign in the Western Pacific. Summing up. Commander Tinker says the position is that Japan is in a dominating and secure position The British commonwealth is in a good position strategically, but tactically it is critical. The United States, both strategically and tactically, is in a precarious position. France is hopelessly outclassed. Britain and the United States have to face the tact that Japan is the keeper of the door If it should be closed, nothing but a major war would force it open. The present situation is the most convincing argument for an Anglo-American rapprochement. AMERICAN NAVY. ADMIRAL AND PRESIDENT. INTERVIEW NOT GRANTED. (Received October 28, 8.10 p.m.) A. and N.Z. WASHINGTON, Oct. 27. The President, Mr. Calvin Coolidge, has disapproved of the application made by Admiral T. P. Magruder for the revocation of the order to report to the Secretary of 'the Navy, Mr. Curtis Wilbur, who has relieved the admiral of his position as commandant of the Fourth Naval Division, Philadelphia, in consequence of the former's recent criticisms of the Navy. Mr. Coolidge has also refused the admiral s request for a personal interview. Mr. Wilbur himself carried the admiral's letter to the President, and they had a long conference. It is generally understood that Mr. Coolidge will support Mr. Wilbur in any action he •nay take. Mr. T. S. Butler, the chairman of the Naval Committee of the House of Representatives, has asked for an investigation

bv his committee of the matter.