FAR-EAST DEFENCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26904, 16 October 1948, Page 7

FAR-EAST DEFENCE

PREPARATION BY US.

STRATEGIC BASES IN JAPAN N.Z.P.A.—Copyright

Rec. 11.55 p.m. TOKIO. Oct. 15 British Commonwealth representatives did not attend the defence conference at General MacArthur’s headquarters this week, it was officially stated to-day. The 8.C.0.F. Commander - in - chief, Lieutenantgeneral H. C. H. Robertson, who has been in Tokio during conferences which discussed general defence preparations in the area extending from Okinawa to Alaska, declined to comment but described the official report that he had not attended as “interesting.” ' Informed sources said General Robertson was informed of the results of the talks which were attended by Lieutenant-general Nathan Twining, United States Air Force chief in Alaska. and Vice-admiral John McCrea, deputy commander of the United States Pacifific Fleet. All sources emphasised, however, that there was the closest co-operation between the British and American forces in the Far East. American aircraft had joined 8.C.0.F. fighter wings in exercises in Southern Japan and combined fleet exercises had also been held. There would be no lack of co-ordination in an emergency. Measures already taken to prevent a surprise attack against Japan include: First, the use of radar identification for all planes in Japan, Korea and Okinawa; secondly, arming all operational aircraft; thirdly the stepping up of radar efficiency in stations throughout Japan; fourthly, vast airfield construction and a rehabilitation programme which when completed will give the United States a series of strategically situated fields throughout the Far East capable of accommodating the biggest bombers.; fifthly, a sea radar warning system stretching all the way from the Arctic Circle along the coast of East Asia; sixthly, daily Super Fortress reconnaissance flights within 30 miles of Soviet territory; seventhly, fighter escort for all Russian planes entering Japaneighthly, plans for the emergency evacuation of all American women and children, primarily from Korea and secondarily from Japan. Military officers emphasise that these are not “ scare ” precautions but that it would be criminal foolishness not to be ready if war came.