IN THE PACIFIC.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 221, 17 September 1940, Page 9

IN THE PACIFIC.

NAVAL SITUATION. PEACE FRONT SUGGESTED. Formation of some kind of peace front in the Pacific was suggested by Mr. M. G. Lee at the conclusion of an address which he gave on the naval situation in the Pacific, before members of the Auckland Rotary Club at the weekly lunchean" in Milne and Choyce's reception hall. At the outset Mr. Lee asked his audience not to regard him as an authority, but as a New Zealander interested in the destiny of the Dominion, and the information he had gathered was available to all who wanted to study the subject. The speaker said that Japan was rated by most European authorities as not a liret-class military Power, as she was weak industrially and economically. But Japan was considered a first-class naval Power, whose sea forces had been greatly strengthened since the war began. Japan had a strong defensive position with islands forming a chain off the coast of Asia, and her offensive position had also some characteristics of excellence. Mr. Lee pointed out that Britain had a defensive chain stretching from Singapore to other bases in the south, and was justified in placing gTeat reliance on them. After referring to the interest of the United States in tie Pacific, he said that America was strong in naval ( unite, except long range ships, but was not in possession of bases to meet a southward thrust from. Asia. After' reference to the potential wealth of the East Indies, he said that if Jaipan took economic or ■military control there an eoonomic weapon would pass into her hands. Canada he regarded as an extension of the United States system of defence. Mr. Lee mentioned tihe growing strength of tlie Soviet Union in the East, which was designed to make it independent of western Russia. Russia had strong naval forces at Vladivostock, and it was possible that the bulk of the Soviet forces had reached there through the sea route via the Arfctic and Bering Strait. As a solution, Mr. Lee suggested tli? formation of a pact to include, if jk>satble, all Pacific nations, and providing for the withdrawal of Japanese forces from China, a non-aggression pact between Pacific powers, the establishment of a sort of Monroe Doctrine for the Pacific, solution by conference of outstanding difficulties, and limitation of armaments.