THE APPROACHING STORM.

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 223, 9 October 1940, Page 4

THE APPROACHING STORM.

SWIFT events marching, apparently uncontrolled, have flicked the world into a state of fearful preparedness. The whole trend today is to provide for the great collision of arms which mankind knows must come. All eyes are trained on the North Pacific where the belligerent little people of the Japanese Empire are declaring that they are the Divinely appointed exponents of the now famous "new order in Asia''. The flout, to American interests in the Eastern Seas is nothing short of an invitation, and fifty years ago would have meant war without hesitation or TGSGrvG. Diplomats today are however more blunt in their demands and less reserved in their views. The real upshot turns on the willingness of America to adopt a policy of "turning the blind eye" or even possible appeasement, or else as the Japanese assert they are willing to resort to force. This open threat is somewhat surprising in view of Japan's full hands at present, until it is realised that the powerful Nipponese navy has scarcely had a chance to stretch its legs since its inception. The China incident has not cost it a single ship and as yet the naval forces have done little more than lie languidly off the coast in pursuance of the blockade. The only possible clash with America can be a naval one and Japan would almost appear to be welcoming such trial of strength. What deeply laid intrigue.exists with the other Axis partners cannot be guessed but as Hitler's mouthpiece ,Dr. Goebbels broadcast recently "the whole world will know soon!" Japanese designs in the Pacific may reach as far as our own islands, for no assurances appear sufficient today to safeguard even the most innocent peoples from attack. There can be no doubt however that an attempt to divert- part of the British naval forces from the North Sea and the Mediterranean will be portion of the plan of action but to do that Japan must be certain that America will not intervene. Hence the warning, and from its tone there no bluff, for the stakes are high. The Axis will prefer a swift war to one of long duration though the latter suits better the dogged British character. From the new set of perplexities which present themselves it seems a fairly safe guess, to say that the- dictatorships will plan yet another and ..more far-reaching coup-in which Japan, will be one of the major naval figures- Clear heads and a calm steaciy outlook are required.