JAPAN THE ARBITER

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 188, 29 October 1927, Page 1

JAPAN THE ARBITER

FAR EAST DESTINIES PACIFIC SQUADRONS “ONLY COASTGUARD FORCE" By Cable. —Press Association.—Copyright* LONDON, Friday. The naval situation in the Pacific is the text of an article by an American, Lieutenant-Commander Clifford Tinker, in Brassey’s Naval Annual. He says that, not to be outdone by nature’s lavish gifts to Japan, Britain and the United States at the Washington Conference, actually rushed Japan into the position of arbiter of the destinies of the Far Fast. But the fateful gift might not be an unmixed blessing, as Japan was iu danger of acquiring naval indigestion. Already her Treasury was in difficulties. Japan's colonies and mandates were interfused across the Pacific and threatened America’s territories, and were not a source of unalloyed comfort to the Dutch East Indies, Australia and New Zealand. The combined Pacific squadrons of Britain. Australia and New Zealand were litle more than a coastguard force. Such a small and widely-dispersed fleet was a temptation to those who were imbued with ulterior motives in Asiatic affairs to engage in aggressive programmes, but in the event of an emergency Britain could send to the Western Pacific such a fleet with supporting troops that Japan must pause before precipitating a collision. Nevertheless nothing but inspired sagacity and self-sacrificing action would suffice for a British success in a major naval campaign in the Western Pacific. ; “KEEPER OF THE DOOR” Summing up. Commander Tinker says the position is that Japan is in a dominating and secure position. The British commonwealth is in a good position strategically, but tactically it is critical. The United States, both strategically and tactically, is in a

precarious position. France is hopelessly outclassed.

Britain and the United States have to face the fact that Japan is the keeper of the door. If it should be closed, nothing but a major war would force it open. The present situation is the most convincing argument for an Anglo-American rapprochement.— A. and N.Z.