POLICING .THE PACIFIC

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 March 1943, Page 4

POLICING .THE PACIFIC

IN DAYS AFTER THE WAR DISCUSSION IN WASHINGTON. ■ i REPORTED ‘SUGGESTIONS. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) (Received This Day, 12.10 p.m.) •WASHINGTON, March 25. Plans for the defence of the Pacific after the war were among the subjects Mr Eden discussed in Washington, the United Press says, it is believed, according to information from a Congressional source, that arrangements will be made later whereby the nations with Pacific interests will agree to a formula giving each a share of policing responsibility. A similar formula will probably be made for the Atlantic. A well-informed observer envisages the possibility of Britain accepting naval responsibility in the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean and Atlantic, eastward of 25 degrees west longitude, while the United States will be primarily responsible for the remainder of the Atlantic and all the Pacific. Ameri-

can plans for the Pacific are being held in abeyance pending the outcome of the Eden conversations, but the subject has been discussed several times by the Pacific War Council. Several members of the council are reported to favour a plan providing for a mutual defence system, with all the nations having access to all bases of other nations which are party to the plan. The council also discussed the Soviet’s position. At least one councillor was insistent that the Soviet should be consulted, although Russia was not considered to be a Pacific naval power, but Russia at present is prevented from participating in the discussions because cf the delicate balance of her relations with Japan. Interest was aroused jn Pacific defence negotiations several weeks ago, following on a Congressional statement that the United States should make the Pacific a Mare Nostrum, even if the necessary bases had to be seized by force. Leading Pacific Powers are reported to be willing to allow the United States assumption of primary responsibility in the Pacific, but smaller Powers expressed a fear that ths United States might seek sovereignty over their islands, on which the United States has built naval and air bases.