The Daily News. FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1921. THE PACIFIC PROBLEM.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 August 1921, Page 4

The Daily News. FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1921. THE PACIFIC PROBLEM.

The decision arrived at by the Imperial authorities that the proposed Conference on matters concerning the Pacific (which it was suggested should precede the Washington Conference on the question of limitation of armaments) should not take place, cannot, under the circumstances, be regarded as unexpected. It was known that America was opposed to the proposal, and it is evident that a considerable number of despatches have been exchanged between Britain, Japan, and the United States before the decision was arrived at. The two questions are so interwoven as to practically defy separate consideration. Every phase of the Pacific problem has been brought under review at the Premiers’ Conference, and the views of the Dominions clearly elaborated. The condition laid down by America that the British Empire would only have one voice at the Washington Conference should not be viewed in any other light than that of a broad principle which, in international affairs, regards the Empire as one solid unit constituting Britain as one of the great Powers. Much stress is laid on the unity and solidarity of the Empire, so that in accepting this as an acknowledged fact, America has taken that course which she herself follows as the concrete embodiment of States united under one presidency and speaking with one voice. It is true that the union has no geographical similarity with that which exists under the far-flung British Empire with thousands of miles of ocean dividing the component parts- each having its own Government and laws, as well as its special interests and needs, but so long as-they form units of the Empire they must, in all international affairs, recognise that it is the Motherland’s part to act for them in their interests, because, as Australia’s Premier aptly observed, “the constitutional nexus of the Empire is the Monarchy.” The crux of, the Pacific problem is naval power, for on that power the existence and greatness of the Empire depend. Japan is the disturbing factor, not only as regards Australasia, but also the Western States of America. While there is complete willingness and desire to cultivate friendship and trade with Japan, the Dominions arid America decline to go any further. When speaking on the subject e£ the renewal of the

Anglo-Japanese treaty. Mr. Hughes said:—

“This is our dilemma. While making every effort to retain the friendship of Japan, we cannot make an enemy of the United States. Nor can Britain do so. We must steer our barque between Scylla and Charybdis. In some way we must attain the calm waters of port. That, is the mission which the representative of Australia baa to fulfil.”

It is, therefore, evident that if a satisfactory agreement can be arrived at between Britain, Japan and America on the question of disarmament, the Pacific problem would in great measure be solved, for it is only the menace of aggression that has to be eliminated, and then all the other issues can be adjusted. That is why both matters should be dealt with at the Washington Conference, and there are sound reasons why the Dominions should not be parties to that conference,! but that, if possible, the whole Empire should be represented by Mr. Lloyd George, who is fully conversant with the aims and views of all the units and may be trusted to give effective expression thereto. President Harding’s idea is evidently to make the conference serve the purpose of ensuring peace and to obtain the urgently needed relief from the burden of armamefits. “Out faith,” said the President recently, “is firmer that war’s causes may be minimised', and that over-burden-ing armament may largely diminish.” That is the spirit which, we trust, will animate the conference. If so, all will be well. It is nothing but a species of insanity for the nations to indulge in a competitive squandering of money on armaments when, by the jxereisfe of sane policy, they would secure peace and prosperity. “We stand to-day before the unknown,” said President Harding, “but we look to the future with unshaken confidence.” These sentiments should be a good augury for the success of the Washington Conference.