The Sun TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1914. AMERICA AND THE WAR.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 177, 1 September 1914, Page 4

The Sun TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1914. AMERICA AND THE WAR.

America, as the most powerful neutral nation at the present time, occupies a position of tremendous influence and responsibility. Were she to abandon her neutrality'and enter the arena, it-might easily determine the result of the war. Consequently, it .may be taken for granted that Germany is intriguing with all her might to gain the goodwill of America. Even if President Wilson declines to budge from his refusal to be embroiled, American friendship would be of the utmost assistance to Germany. The Germans are in urgent need of food supplies and raw material from abroad. America is in a position to supply them, and there is a convenient entrance to Germany through Holland. If the Allies permit it, a profitable trade will spring up between America and Germany, and it May be difficult to prevent it without offending America. In the light of these facts, the object of the Churchill interview becomes abundantly clear. Mr Churchill is the son of an American woman, and he has a very shrewd understanding of the American temperament and American public opinion. He lias put the case against Germany in a light that is calculated to appeal very strongly to the American democracy, and it should materially strengthen President Wilson's hands. There has

always been a powerful anti-British element' in America, and the Hearst newspapers, particularly, never lose an opportunity of stirring up bad feeling against Britain. We are not hearing very much about them just now, but it is exceedingly probable that they are taking up an unfriendly attitude. It is very desirable, therefore, that every effort should be made to preserve the best relations with America. The repeal of the Panama Tolls Bill was evidence before the war broke out that the present American Administration is well disposed towards Britain, and it should not be difficult for Britain to remain on good terms with America. Much depends on the exploits of Japan. If she adheres to her undertaking not to seek any advantage for herself in Asia or the Pacific in return for turning the Germans out of Kaio-chau, America will probably with the status quo, but trouble is inevitable if the Japanese try to turn the situation to their own account, and Britain as Japan's ally will at once be placed in a very difficult position.