AMERICAN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 December 1924, Page 2

AMERICAN ITEMS.

- IUS'fIU MAN AND N.Z. CAULS ASSOCIATION. BID OIL FIRES. NEW YORK. Dec. I. Disastrous tires are raging in the Los Angeles oilfields, having started in the Santape district. Twenty tanks, each containing 2.ADO barrels of oil, are ablaze. The fire is spreading rapidly, and the flames arc three hundred feet high. Fire fighters from three cities are battling against the conflagration. The damage totals so far one million dollars. I'.S.A. EXPLANATION. WAvSIIINOTON, Dec. 2. Further enquiries regarding the Japanese opposition to the Hawaiian naval manoeuvres of the l. nited States and its fleet's visit to Australia, show that the I'.S.A. Navy Department decided upon the summer cruise in the South Pacific- as being a natural substitute for the usual Northern Pacific cruise, and because it permits the ships to undergo more strenuous tests tFiati has normally been given. 'I he Department also feels that the contemplated trip will establish a better understanding between tin' United States and the islands of the Pacific, including Australia.

The State Department looks upon the project as being naval manoeuvres within the hounds of the Arms Conference T reaties, and of generally accepted international courtesy. It can foresee no international complications arising from suc h an innocent summer crujse, and consequently it cannot take stops to prevent the Navy Department from canting out its plans. Naval authorities in Congress likewise consider the project as having no Ju-

ju nose aspect. Representative. Curry, of California, said that the Four Power Pact gave America the right to fortify the Hawaii'n ishuids. and these manoeuvres arc designed to show what co-operation might he necessary between the Army and Navy for such defence.

Representative McT.alferty. of California. savs: ‘‘The Arms Conference Agreement prevents the United States from fortifying Cttani Island, and the Philippines. Our concession at that Conference showed, in no uncertain terms, how greatly we desire peace. These manoeuvres are being held merelv to obtain information, and anyone who protests against such a step might upon the same theory protest against the Navy scouring any information whatsoever that might lie used for natural defence.