Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star FRIDAY, JUNE llth, 1920. DEFENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 June 1920, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star FRIDAY, JUNE llth, 1920. DEFENCE.

r lnn failure of the Great Powers to come to an active agreement on the question of the League of Nations is -going to force matters of defence to the front again in all countries which care to look to the future with a degree, of national security. * For Great Britain, with a far-flung Empire and such diverse interests abroad, it is more important than ever to maintain a strong defence. The peculiar attitude of the United States towards the League of Nations which was modelled to suit largely the interests of America, is one of tho greatest of international surprises. Not only does America refuse to ratify the covenant of the League of Nations, but she is setting about to realise the most formidable navy tho world has ever seen. Her bellicose statesmen are making speeches which are by no means friendly to Great Britain, for the new navy is designedly out, lined to overshadow Britain’s might on j the. Tile American attitude on the Irish question is another menace to the tranquility, of the relations between the two great English-speaking nations, and suggests defensive arrangements on the part of Britain, at least in the nature of an insurance to keep the peace. Probably tho attitude of a section of the American nation at this juncture has more than anything else brought about a renewal of the Anglo-Japanese alliance. The Pacific Ocean is regarded by many as tho possible theatre for another war, and as Britain is so much interested in Oceania and the Noitli Pacific, British interests cannot he too strongly safeguarded. The Treaty of Al. liance with Japan is therefore worth while. Japan has honored her word and bond in the pust in times of stress, and her position makes her a very pow. erful aliy in the case of dire necessity arising. In the new- adjustment of the Powers in the Pacific, this Dominion, in common with the Commonwealth and other countries under the English flag, have, of course, a peculiar interest. Experience in the Great War has shown that New Zealand had no desire to escape the responsiblities regarding defence measures, for she participated freely. For the time' being it is most likely that the building up of naval j strength in the Pacific will be the main 1

essential, and this is evidently being taken in hand. In the light of possibilities it is more understandable why Admiral Jellieoo is taking up an official post in tho Antipodes, where he will be more in touch with,, developments overseas than would be possible on the other side of tho globe. The gifts of war vessels to tho dominions by tho Motherland is another indication of tho position, and what it all ieads up to — preparedness. Admiral Beatty at Home has been sounding a clarion note, also, which also tends to show that the position is firmly gripped and the necessity for action is at hand. Defence and not offence is the great need of the times in the light of the world’s unrest and the difficulty of our American cousins coming into line with Great Britain and other Powers for an international force to impose peace ufion the world. The Navy has been always our sure shield, and its might and majesty must bo maintained as in tho past to secure tho Empire in all parts and over all seas. Defence, therefore, looms large again in the public mind.