PACIFIC SUPREMACY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18191, 12 September 1933, Page 7

PACIFIC SUPREMACY

JAPAN V. AMERICA KEEN STRUGGLE HR IT AIN LAGS DEHIND (Eke. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Received Sept. 12. 11 a. 111.) LONDON, Sept. 11. The Daily Express says Dun following Mr. Roosevelt’s £47,000.000 naval appropriation, Japan's demand lor a 10—10—7 ratio is the second act of the United States and Japan struggle for Pacific supremacy. America’s intention to build 37 warships stimulated Japan to spend £67,000,000 on warships. The Express emphasises that Britain remains 300.C00 tons below the London Treaty allowance, whereas the l’nitnet States and Japan intend building to the limit. “NATIONAL DEFENCE”

-■ JAPAN’S NEW SLOGAN TOKIO, Sept. 11. A lengthy interview between General Araki, Minister of War, and Mr. Takahaslii, Minister of Finance, is evoking very great interest among the vernacular press. Beyond the obvious purpose to secure the inclusion in the Budget of enormous military requirements, the plans are attributed to include the abolition ol political party government and the uniting of the country under the slogan ol ‘National Defence” and increasing the dominating influence of the army.

BRITAIN KEEPS PEACE HOLLAND DEARS JAPAN MONTREAL, Aug. 14. Britain’s navy is not regarded as a menace, but as a bulwark of peace in the East Indies, while an apprehensive eye is always kept 011 the Japanese, according to Lieut.-Commander Frederick A. Gastinan, retired officer of the Royal Dutch navy, who is here visiting liis brother. "We. regard Britain as a. force, for peace," said the Dutch ex-naval man. “Our relations with Britain and the British navy are very hiemlly. One ul‘ your admirals paid us a call hist year, and he was extensively entertained. We know the British have no designs, ami wo are most friendly.” ‘‘How do you feel about the Singapore naval base?” “It, does not worry us. We believe it is’another weapon for peace in the Dutch East Indies.”

“How do you feel about. Japan?” Mr. Gastman’s face changed a little.

“Wo watch her. You know, when Germany was at peace, she did not need Belgium. But when war came, she. invaded her because she wanted to get at France. So Japan might want to get at us. You know, Japan wants oil, and we have it. At it. is, she buys most of her oil from us now. When a Japanese warship went by Java a year or so ago, we watched her closely. We. are not frightened. We do not think she will bother to invade us, but then, we have. oil. . . .”