EASTERN PROBLEMS

Waikato Independent, Volume XXIII, Issue 3072, 19 June 1923, Page 5

EASTERN PROBLEMS

STRENGTHENING EUROPEAN POWER POSITION OF NAVAL BASE SINGAPORE FAVOURED (By arrangement with the Morning Post —Copyright by the Australian and New Zealand Press Association). Following is the sixth of a series of articles on new problems created in the Pacific as a result of the great war, the Washington agreement, and the desire of the Japanese Empire for expansion. The. articles have been written by a special correspondent who just returned after a prolonged visit to Japan, China, Singapore, and the Far East, generally undertaken for the purpose of studying on the spot these problems.

LONDON, June IS

Without any tie sire to appear an alarmist it is impossible to resist the impression anyrvhere in the Far East that a clash of colour is imminent. Western education is having the effect of causing the Orientals to no longer regard the American or European as a miraculous being’. Every concession by European Governments is looked upon as a sign of weakening. The Hongkong strike is a signal example' of the result of this feeling. The correspondent considers another damaging effect on European prestige has been caused by the lessening of fleets amt armaments. Those at. Home know it is only retrenchment and indicates no loss of power, but the native looks on it in a different light. From this viewpoint the desire to make Singapore a great naval centre is therefore a great Imperial conception. The correspondent goes on to give reasons in favour of the selection of Singapore, principally on account of its position. Hongkong is also a great centre of trade, but without the backing of Singapore she is so isolated that her stand against an aggressor from ihe North might only be a mutter of hours. The Singapore scheme will add renewed strength to the British position in Otidia and to all Asiatics it will be a very tangible reminder of our strength. Americans in the Phillipines would feel half their burden lightened if they knew their greatest friends were in a strong enough position to stem the Asiatic tide on the spot. America cannot protect these Islands herself and she is more likely to work in harmony with British trade interests if she is sure of their mutual protection. The development- of Singapore, therefore, would be a very present indication to Asiatics generally that England intends to protect her interest and Nationals Whatever" policy may be proposed out there by other nations. It would also be a cheek to Bolshevik propaganda. If is entirely a quest.ion of insurance on behalf of the western world against war risks, and it is merely an accident that England alone is at the moment, able to take out a policy for tin- protection of Eastern trade aitri as c. standing pledge to Occidental prestige in the Orient.