SINGAPORE BASE.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 April 1925, Page 2

SINGAPORE BASE.

H7BT<IALtAN 4KB N Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION IT’S PROFOUND SIGNIFICANCE LONDON, April 15. Sir Herbert Bussell, writing in the “Daily Express.” says: “To upnrec iate the profound significance of the Admirals’ Conference at Singapore, it is necessary to examine Japan's naval programme for the current year, which sanctions the construction of eight class cruiser, all of 30-knots; ten powerful sea-keeping destroyers and an aircraft carrier. Since the Washington Agreement. Japan has shown an extraordinary activity in the construction of all classes of warships that are outside the ridiculously limited prohibition. We still regard Japan as a goad friend, and take it for granted that her naval activity is not directed against our interests. The truth is that a change is coining over the spirit of .Japan. She is still a. good friend, hut since the passing of the Anglo- . Japanese Alliance .there has b.cn a perceptible ending off in her sentime;.t for Britain, while the lull signiat atice of the recent Russo-Japanese Treaty, is not understood in Britain, Japan bathe clearest per; —prion of her m-cds. She is building warships, because she realises that siie must, have an outlet for her growing population. My impression. trom. a recent visit, is that Jaoan dees not want war. hut will not shirk it, if needs he. The Fnited States is the strongest opponent of Japan's peaceful penetration of China. She realises tin* importance of the Chinese market. Then the United States’ Pa. 'tie Fleet’s forthcoming visit to Australia is nominally a Hag-showing tour of simple friendliness. Really it will lie an uninistakeable political demonstration. If Japan obtains the necessary outlet for papulation diplomatically .all will he well : hut her naval programmes do not suggest an unqualified faith in diplomacy. They are simply an unostentatious preparation for war in the Pacific. A war with one or more European Bowers as combatants .could not he a battleship war. Therefore, the Washington Agreement does not affect Japan's strategic advantages. Her programmes disclose a polity of war on commerce. Singapore is designed tor protection in that aspect: while Japan is rapidly building cruisers to mop up trade in the Pacific, we are merely considering whether to build any battleships at ail.”