Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 16 February 1927, Page 2

Tun further limitation of navies suggested by President Coolidge is going to be a fruitful subject for discussion. The pros and cons offer such a wide field for national opinion, each country having its own problems to consider first. The limitation of capital ships was in itself a great stride towards the ohjeetve in sight, and on the whole has worked well, but the limitation did not apply to cruisers and destroyers, and of the building of these ships under present conditions there appears to be no end. It would appeal' the United States is being left behind in the armament race, and now realising that position suggests measure of disarmament in regard to smaller craft, as an alternative to undertaking an extensive building programme to keep pace with the more powerful navies. The situation is a very delicate one. and the question is bringing up various aspects. Japan, for instance, has raised the question of the Singapore base, and a Japanese newspaper even goes so far as to raise the question of the United States immigration legislation which has made a special set against Japan, where national feeling is very deep, and where feeljngs are being harboured against

America. There is also the question of the limitation of aerial war machines, which is naturally a disturbing factor in defence, as the aeroplane is destined to talco a very conspicuous part in warfare, whether defensive or otherwise.

To Great Britain the Navy is her just line of defence, not only as an IsHu'l nation, but more particularly in regard to policing trade routes, as a means to bring food supplies and trading commodities to the Old Countrv. A strong navy for that purpose is most essential Great Britain has made her position plain in that regard and having won the command of the seas, is entitled to hold it for the peaceful purposes and pursuits set. out. The proposed Conference will of course throw the best light on the whole situation. It is not likely to do much more, but that would he. of some value, affording as it would a world view of a very delicate situation. AYe cannot Help thinking that one short cut to an inevitable, world pence would ho a straight out offensive and defensive AngloAmerican Alliance, which with its wealth and prestige, could go a very long way to assuring the world pence, for it. could draw to its side other great European, if not Asiatic Powers, capable of co-operating in such a way that it serious war may ho no more.