STABILITY IN THE PACIFIC

Taranaki Daily News, 24 January 1934, Page 7

STABILITY IN THE PACIFIC

SINGAPORE DEVELOPMENTS AMERICAN PACIFISTS CHIDED BASE STRICTLY DEFENSIVE NOT BUILT AGAINST. JAPAN By Telegraph—Press Assn.— Copyright Rec. 8.50 pan. New York, Jan. 23. The Herald-Tribune in a leading article in reference to Press accounts of British fortification developments at Singapore chides American pacifists who interpret this as a fresh “threat” to the stability of world peace* “The exact opposite is the case,” the article says. “The British naval base is strictly defensive. It is not built against Japan or to serve as a step in a policy of expansion. Rather it is an outpost from which Britain can defend the East Indies, Australia and New Zealand in the event of war in the Far East.” With America likely to withdraw from the Philippines, the leader points out, it is of common interest between America, Britain and Holland to maintain the status quo in the Pacific. “If we withdraw from the Philippines the balance of power in the western Pacific will be overthrown,” it adds. The paper justifies Dutch fears of Japanese encroachments on their rich holdings in the Indies in view of the "unwarranted and inexplicable” Japanese action at Shanghai in February,. 1932. “But with Britain strongly entrenched at Singapore,” it adds, “neither the Dutch in the East Indies nor the people of Australia need have any fears. Japan is not going to attack Britain and the British have no thought of attacking Japan. A strong naval base at that strategic point is a guarantee of the status quo in the Pacific.”