PACIFIC RIVALRY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18264, 6 December 1933, Page 7

PACIFIC RIVALRY

JAPAN AND AMERICA DANGEROUS PROSPECT FORTIFICATION OF ISLANDS (Klee. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Received Dee. (>, 11 a.in.) LONDON, Dec. A The Daily Telegraph’s naval correspondent says the situation in the Pacific bears an ominous resemblance to 1920-21, when the rivalry between the United States and Japan was so acute that war was only averted by the Washington Conference. The Japanese navy will probably get, all the increases it, is demanding, and Japan’s withdrawal from the League will involve a decision regarding the fate of the South Sea islands over which Japan holds a mandate.

Tin* establishment of new bases far out in the Pacific must bring the United States and the Japanese fleets within contact distance. The Daily Herald’s naval correslondent says that following the breakdown of" the Disarmament Conference, and the threatened race for air power, die Air Ministry and Admiralty are evolving deadlier methods for aircraft in reconnaissance, whereby they can bomb and machine-gun ships with unprecedented effect. Manoeuvres beginning on January 12 will test the methods, the home and Mediterranean fleets combining for the purpose.