A STRATEGIC WATERWAY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 197, 17 February 1912, Page 4

A STRATEGIC WATERWAY.

The United States has commenced the i business of fortifying the Panama Canal and it is therefore clear that the United States regards the canal which is being cut at such enormous expense as of greater strategic than commercial importance. It is claimed that as a commercial proposition the Panama canal cannot pay its way for generations, but America, by its haste in fortifying, is showing that she depends on the fortifications and the great waterway for safety in time of war, In the original treaty "Between the United States and Great Britain, clauses were inserted forbidding the fortification of the canal and making a point of its neutrality in time of war. The United States declined to endorse the clauses, and although at no time did that country specifically declare that it would fortify the canal, it was generally understand in diplomatic circles that the States would take advantage of such an obvious safeguard. Without the canal, in time of war the States would have to employ fleets both in the Atlantic and in the Pacific. With a fortified canal, it is reasonable to suppose that she could employ one fleet only under one supreme head, with better chances of success. The movement that would succeed in destroying the effectiveness of the States' navy would be either to reduce the land forts, or take them, and to bottle up the fleet. The presence of powerful forts is by way of preventing the bottling-up contingency, and the chief reason for the existence of the canal at all is to more thoroughly safeguard both coasts. Apart from its strategic importance, however, the great canal will confer'a commercial boon on all'nations, and it is to be sincerely hoped there may be no occasion to .use the powerful engines of destruction which are part of the great engineering scheme. •At present,it is rather curious .that the 'United States, with her incalculable internal interests, should be content 'to concentrate more on the peaceful arts than on the race for bigger and better armaments. The decrease in the establishment of the United States army is one indication that the country does •not at present regard the great preparations for war that are being made elsewhere as affecting her safety.