The Grey River Argus MONDAY, MARCH 29, 1948. MILITARY SECRECY IN PACIFIC

Grey River Argus, 29 March 1948, Page 4

The Grey River Argus MONDAY, MARCH 29, 1948. MILITARY SECRECY IN PACIFIC

yTEWED in the light of pre-war

days, reports of the presence in the Northern Pacific of submarines other than those of th? United States would have had no more than passing interest. The hews, however, that the Americans now intend further to lest atomic weapons in that area with the particular object of ascertaining the effect on submarines, makes rather a difference, even as far distant as New Zealand. It at least recalls the deliberations at conferences between representatives of the two southern Dominions regarding co-operation in defence, particularly as that idea regards the United States. The Australians had hoped that, while certain strategic islands, like Manus, might be left for their use, the Americans would extend their scope south of the Equator. This was not promised, so that if submarines other than American or British should extend their operations to the South Pacific, they would claim the attention of the navals of the Dominions. Lord Killearn the other day drew a picture of the growing significance of Singapore, whereas it failed in war-time to fulfil the role set for it many years since, and scarcely is likely 1o command again the great reliance then placed upon it as the main sea bastion for the protection of these Dominions. Hence the significance of the fresh atomic experiments at Eniwetok Island is for us evident. There is no doubt that, while political and economic relations must await developments, co-operation in the military sphere between the United States and all British Dominions bordering the Pacific must immediately be developed. The modern submarine may itself prove a means ere long for the transport of atomic weapons, and if one of the Great Powers is able thus to use them, another in due time would probably be able to do likewise. It will be recalled that from the beginning of war in the Pacific at the end of 1941, there was cooperation between the United States and New Zealand, -which had a force in Fiji, where training Immediately began to meet a possible enemy attack. Then the Dominion provided an airfield in Fiji for the Americans, which became a staging centre for U.S. Army Airforce planes traversing the Pacific in all directions. In a few months American forces entered Tonga, and then Fiji, and next Fanning Island. American forces eventually became familiar visitors to. New Zealand, which became a base for their operations in the South-West Pacific, while New Zealanders fought alongside Americans on the islands north of Australia, and under American command New Zealanders made the first opposed landing in which they had figured since Gallipoli when they went to Mono and Stirling islands, the N.Z. Sth. Brigade Group being accompanied by 2000 Americans. Other operations saw similar co-operation, ami it was in the Pacific rather than in the. Al.iddle East (where the American Field Service aided the 2nd. N.Z. Division) that such co-operation was closest. There was indeed close contact also in Italy, especially when U.S.A, airmen covered our men, while many New Zealand war prisoners owed their release to Americans alike in Europe and the Far East Should present anxieties prove ultimately io he passing clouds, there might be a disposition to forget the associations between!

1941 and 1945, but those respon sible for defence, even when advised that interna] preparations now might be prudent, could scarcely disregard the absolute necessities of external precautions. If it be the hope of humanity that atomic weapons shall never again figure in the Pacific as they did at Hiroshima, and Nagasaki, it must nevertheless be borne in mind that since then more destructive adaptations of the same thing have been effected. The Australian enterprise in connection with guided missiles is another'pointer to the possibilities should warfare recur. Geographical factors point to the sagacity of a complete understanding between the British and American communities within this hemisphere no less definitely than they do in Europe to-day. Recent history has set precedents which will stand, and for that reason new developments in the Pacific region will focus our attention more than formerly. If it is questioned whether there is the slightest immediate risk to be seen anywhere in the Pacific, the answer is that those in the best position to forsee it are already facing up to it. There does not, in fact, appear yet to be any limit that might be set the scope of atomic warfare should there be a failure to limit it by general consent.