PROBLEMS OF THE PACIFIC

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14770, 8 October 1921, Page 5

PROBLEMS OF THE PACIFIC

GUAM THE KEY IF WASHINGTON CONCLAVE FAILS. THI? DELUGE OP 1023. ! (Australian and N.Z, Cable Assn.) Received October 7, 5.5 p.m. LONDON, October G. The Daily Express asserts that Guam iis the key to the Paeilie. While it is unfortified .Japan is mistress of the Eastern Pacific, hul when Guam becomes an American base Ihe I dideni of the Pad tic will pass fo the American hal Deflect. The Navy Department in Washington in 1920 formulated a plan to make Guam a second Hosytli. Jl is now suggested, in competent naval quarters, that if the United Stales pledges itself not to make Guam and Manilla naval bases, Japan will Regard the promise as proof that the United States does not intend to use the big slick against her and she will he ready to arrange a mutual limitation of armaments. According to the, existing building programmes, the danger lime would come by the end of 1923 if the Washington Conference fails. If Britain is going to do anything at Washington she must do it now. Otherwise the deluge. MISCHIEVOUS PROPHECIES. “PRESS ALARMS AND EXCURSIONS.' LONDON, October 7. The Daily Chronicle, under the heading. “Press Alarms and Excursions,” says, “Nothing but mischief can come of the attempts to draw sensational conclusions from the divergent interests which perplex American and Japanese statesmen, and which both arc honestly endeavouring to harmonise. At such a time a solemn responsibility rests on press md public men to say nothing calculated to inflame feeling, or stir up the fears and suspicions of those who attempt to frighten Die public by prophecies of new world wars, and playing upon the credulity of the nervous. Let us ralhcr aid in making Die Washington Conference a success. The worst course is fo start tub-thumping with the destinies of nations.”