The Hokitika Guardian WEDNESDAY, NOV. 1st, 1922. AN IMPREGNABLE POSITION.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 November 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian WEDNESDAY, NOV. Ist, 1922. AN IMPREGNABLE POSITION.

A CAhLK last week conveyed the information that the transfonniition i>f tlio Hock of Gibraltar to the greatest aerial base in the world, where aeroplahes will be ever ready to support naval operations find undertake long distance offensives is proceeding a; ace. According to the “Aeronantn id Journal” engineers have perforated the rock in all directions in Order to protest it from enemy fire. have eonstrueted a spacious place in the centre for the storage of petrol and munitions and for workshops, front which numerous tunnels lead. At the exits of these, platforms are constructed which enable the 'pianos to take off or land. The several stages will he connected with monster lifts. Tt is considered that when this work is completed the domination of the Straits will he secured. The Book of Gibraltar has lieen regarded from a military point of view as impregnable. The Rock is a material position in the'matter of iKmpire defence, and in view of the development marking military aviation, it is of the greatest importance that a- position so important should have the fullest protection, loth defensive and offensive, which can he provided. 'Hie details now supplied are unusually full as affecting a matter of such State importance. It would not ibe surprising if the whole matter had been suppressed altogether or as little as possible given out to the public. But in these days of secret service, important details affecting so important a point along the world’s maritime highway, are not, likely to escape special observation, and we can well believe that foreign governments interest in such matters are well supplied as to the alterations which must have been going on apace for some time at Gibraltar. What is now made public is an indication that Britain neither slumbers nor sloops where Imperial defence is of fi;sl importance. The expansion in aeronautics calls forth a sustained effort on the part of the Powers to keep pace with the times. Britain will he aware, also of what other nations are doing in regard to aerial defence and common self-preservation calls for action in advance of her possible opponents to preserve the balance of power with a degree of relative safety. Gibraltar occupies a strategic position in naval affairs, and no less so in aerial possibilities and England could not ignore the necessity for making the position doubly sure—that while it is impregnable as a fortress under pre-war naval and military conditions, it should now in addition ho made as unassailable by nn attack from the air. Gibraltar it is conceivable, might at any time ho a. rallying harbor for her naval strength, for it is within easy roach of three high-sea fleets—the Home, the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. On that account, the need for a further accession of defence Irom air attacks 'is of first importance. The Hock it is conceivable to believe is not likely to he called into active requisition except in a war prompted for defensive purposes. Great Britain is too strong to be the first offender in any new war. If her forces are again called to arms 1 it will he under stress of circumstances in which only the sword can he arbitrator. The Hock now more impregnable than ever is part nf the national security and insurance scheme to make war less likely, and when it is possible, t.’’e better and the quicker for Britain to achieve a victory ousuring pence with honor.