A SENSATIONAL STORY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 215, 9 March 1912, Page 7

A SENSATIONAL STORY.

JAPAN AND THE PACIFIC. A cablegram that was distributed; by* the Independent Cable Service last week made some sensational statements regarding the attitude of Japan towards Australia in the event of a European war. Mr. Arnold White, a well-known authority on naval matters, was said to have told a gathering of Australians in London that Japan had been "forced to admit that she had designs on Australia." The Oriental Power, he added, "now made no secret of the fact that in the event of Britain being engaged in a struggle in the North Sea, an; advance would be made on the Commonwealth." J It was "generally believed" that expedi-1 tions would be despatched from Japan i as soon as war was declined, and that "landings would be effected at three main strategic points in Australia." "This announcement," says the Sydney Sun, "created a sensation among Australians, although the few English officials who were present were not surprised. They remarked that what Mr. White had said was well within the bounds,of probability. In fact, Japan could hardly be expected to neglect such an opportunity of acquiring territory that was absolutely necessary for their national expansion." Happily, Mr. White's statement need not be regarded as the final word on a question of such enormous importance. It does not seem in the least probable that Japan has "admitted" an intention to attack Australia. A plan of that kind, if it were ever conceived, would not be announced to the whole world. If Mr. White really made the remarks that are attributed to him, his audience doubtless realised that an essentia! preliminary to the occupation of Australian territory by Japan or any other power would be the downfall of the British fleet. Mr. White is an ardent supporter of the "big navy" policy that is being expounded by the Imperial Maritime League, which wants Britain to borrow £100,000,000 at once for the construction of additional warships.