IMPRIGNABLE

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20421, 11 February 1938, Page 7

IMPRIGNABLE

SINGAPORE BASE SECURITY IN THE PACIFIC AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND IMMUNITY FROM ATTACK U- '.ted Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright (Received Feb. Ik, 9.40 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 10 The political correspondent of the Associated Press says It Is understood that with the completion of the Singapore graving dock on Monday next, British naval expert opinion not only regards the dook as virtually Impregnable but considers It would be exceedingly dlffioult for an enemy to attack New Zealand and Australia by sea or air. The actual base will not be completed for two years. Experts here are confident that even if the Japanese military and naval authorities extend their activities to the South Seas they would have the greatest difficulty in attacking Australia and New Zealand. An essential prelude to this would he command of the seas requiring the capture of Hongkong, Singapore, and the East Indies, immediately followed by the establishment of naval and air bases.

Moreover, an attacking foroe would have to overcome mines, submarines, aircraft and shore batteries before attempting to seize Singapore. Consequently the prospect of such an operation succeeding Is very remote. Apparently experts consider, despite developments in aerial warfare, that distance is still a vital strategic factor, rendering an attack on New Zealand and Australia most difficult. The operations of an invader would be restricted by lack of bases, coupled with which Australia is in a position to stoutly resist pending reinforcements. The Political Position The present political position in the Pacific is regarded as equally favourable to New Zealand and Australia if the Japanese contemplated an attack, because it is generally accepted that Russia, although at the moment anxious to remain neutral, would immediately attack from Vladivostock. Those-in well-informed circles believe that the United States, especially in view of Hawaii's position in the Pacific, would not tolerate aggression against Malaya, the East Indies, New Zealand and Australia. The European situation is such that little short of invasion of British territories would provoke a British offensive in the Far East.