PEACE IN PACIFIC

Hokitika Guardian, 21 October 1933, Page 7

PEACE IN PACIFIC

PE ESS URGE CO-OPERATION

AMERICA AND AUSTRALIA

NEW YORK, Oct 13

Under the caption “Anzac Friendship” the Hearst press throughout the United States to-day editorally commends Sir George Pearce’s announcement of Australia’s new defence policy.

“Long ago,” says the article, “the American people found out, particularly as the result of th e comradeship of the Great War, that Australians and Americans are so nearly alike, not only in physical appearance, but also in thoughts and purposes, that it is difficult to distinguish between them.

“Australians and Americans both wish to keep the seas open for the peoples of all countries; both wish to prevent the Pacific from becoming an Asiatic lake. And the closer Australians and Americans can he brought together the better it will be for both nations and for the world. “If the Government of Brita'in has not foresight enough to-day to see the advantage of increasing co-iperation with the United States in the promotion of common causes, including the preservation of the peace of the Pacific, then the Dom'nions of the Empire probably have that much intelligence, and in that direction the Governmeint at Washington will be well advised to steer American policy. “An Australian-American alliance, to defend the freedom of the Pacific, would be a good thing, not only for Australia and the United States, but nl«o Ur Canada, New Zealand, Mexico and all the republics to the south.

“When Mr Theodore Roosevelt was President he clearly realised the importance of cultivating closer relations between Australia and the United States. That was why, when he ordered the American fleet on its famous cruise around the world in 1908, he included in its itinerary a visit to the principal ports of Australia.

“Nowhere on that historic cruise were the officers and men of'the fleet given a more- enthusiastic reception than from the Government and people of Australia. “It'is about time for the • United States to show the flag again.'in Australian, waters. This can best be done by sending the cruiser squadron now in the Pacific on a visit to the Far /East.”