DEFENCE NEEDS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22434, 2 June 1936, Page 9

DEFENCE NEEDS

DOMINIONS AND WAK LEAGUE OFFERS NO SHELTER BRITISH JOURNAL'S VIEW By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received Juno 1, 11.45 p.m.) LONDON, Juno 1 Discussing the-Dominions and defence, the Manchester Guardian reviews the position in the Pacific and the Mediterranean. It expresses the opinion that had League action defeated Signor Mussolini, with the formal help of the Soviet and the informal help of the United States, there would be at least a possibility that the League, again aided by the United States, might affect the course of events in the Far East, but of that there is now no sign. A section of the British Cabinet desires a settlement' with Signor Mussolini and tho return of tho British Fleet frem tho Mediterranean, but if that wero dono tho anxieties of the Dominionu would not be lessened, for tho Fleet would bo in the North Sea. Tims for tho Dominions the Leaguo offers no shelter if Signor Mussolini wins, for tho British Fleet will be immobilised in Europe. Tho United States, though building a great fleet, is still an observer, and tho Dominions aro left wondering; whether Japan and Italy will vet tr,ko tho wings which a Cninoso proverb sn.vs should not be given tigers. Hence there is lively discussion in Australia and Canada about defenco. Tho Guardian concludes: "The aeroplane, unequalled for mobility, is tho readiest means by which, if tho worst happened, tho different parts of tho British Commonwealth could come to ono another's aid."