SINGAPORE BASE.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 July 1923, Page 2

SINGAPORE BASE.

COLONEL REPINGTON’S VIEWS. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CARI.E ASSOCIATION LONDON, July 29. Colonel Repington in the “Daily Telegraph,” writes: “The assertion that the Singapore naval base violates the spirit of the Washington Treaty cannot be sustained. The choice of the meridian 110 degrees east longitude for the. western limit of the zone within which no new fortifications are to ho constructed was deliberately made, to allow us complete liberty at Singapore. We and the United States required compensation foe the disenabling provision which promised to make Hong Kong useless, and prevented the United States from turning Guam Island and Manila into naval bases. The United States had its compensation in the Hawaiian Islands. We bail ours in tho selection ol the meridian named. Everybody at Washington understands this.”

Colonel Repington says: “H those arrangements had not been made, Japan would have been left in complete control of tlie Pacific—an ocean in which Britain and the United States have much larger holdings than Japan. We did our best to relieve Japan of any fear that our policy aimed at the enlargement of bases within shortstriking distance of Japan, by withdrawing 3000 miles from Japan. 7 lie English-speaking races gave indisputable proofs of their t'ncilie policy. Japan certainly was the ircnlest gainer.” Colonel Repington expresses the opinion that Singapore would do very well for light cruisers, destroyers, submarines and aircraft, but would be the worst possible base for a Grand Fleet and he proceeds: “Why burden tho taxpayers with the cost of creating a Singapore Base, when Sydney is available, with its magnificent harbour of Port Jackson, which is centrally situated for the defence of Australia and New Zealand;-' Moreover, the Grand Fleet can steam there by all routes, 'imLfind there a harbour which is as unattractive for hostile submarines as Singapore is the reverse. If the Anznc and Canadian statesmen, after examining the problem afresh, still bold that a Grand Fleet at Singapore will protect Australia and New Zealand from Japan, let them sign a statement to that etfeet, covering our responsibilities towards their compatriots hereafter but we regard it as an ignis fiituus.” Colonel Repington also points out that there is '‘little importance at-, tiicldilg to where slops are distributed in peace time. The only test is war. This may < omo suddenly, and it is tlie tradition of Japan to seize the initiative. and to start when the flag falls, or a little before. We must expect the loss of Hongkong and Singapore before our Grand Fleet trails out there, as well as the appearance of Japanese submarines ill the Sea of Malacca. It would he useless to send a battalion to Singapore when Japan lias shown herself capable of capturing a first-class fortress like Port Arthur, defended by 45,000 men. The strategy of tlm nursery will not do for tlie Japanese.”