Wairarapa Times-Age SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 1943. POLICING THE PACIFIC.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 March 1943, Page 2

Wairarapa Times-Age SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 1943. POLICING THE PACIFIC.

A MESSAGE received yesterday from Washington dealt in a rather speculative way with discussions which are supposed to have taken place there, during the visit of the British Foreign Secretary (Mr Eden), on the subject, amongst others, of “plans for the defence of the Pacific after the war.” Whoever compiled the message appeared to be of opinion that a solution of the problems involved might be evolved behind the scenes and then produced rounded and complete, for the edification and delectation of the nations which desire to establish and safeguard peace in the Pacific.

It may be hoped and believed that nothing of this kind will be attempted. In the Pacific, as in the world at large, the substitution of a reign of law for international anaichy must be approached in fair, and open discussion between the nations concerned, leading to equally open agreement and co-operation. Failure to attain these aims would be invited alike by leaving out of the circle of agreement any nation ready and willing to co-operate, or by assigning to any one nation an undu y predominant part in the task of safeguarding peace.

What is needed in the Pacific is not the appointment of the United States as a sort of international sheriff, but combined action, by all the nations concerned to uphold peace. A union of this kind admittedly would be impossible if the United States refused to participate, but it does not by any means follow that the union could be constituted with nations other than the United States reduced to the status of pawns, or left out of account.

The message mentioned stated that at a recent meeting of the Pacific War Council “at least one councillor insisted that the Soviet should be consulted” regarding a plan for a mutual defence system in the Pacific. ’ At this time of day it might have been' thought that it would have been apparent to every member of the Pacific War Council that a plan for a mutual defence system in the Pacific to which Russia was not a party would be fatally unstable and insecure.

It is true that difficulties are created at the moment by the fact that Russia, unlike her Allies, is not at war with Japan, but it is none the less clear on that account that Russia must have a voice and part in any international agreement to police the Pacific and maintain peace.

Nothing would do more to open the way to effective action in safeguarding peace when it has been established than an assurance that the United States will co-operate with.ofhei nations to that end. How far such an assurance is practicable is a question on which light should be thrown by the treatment of resolutions now before the United States Senate and in othei ways. Were the assurance given, it is reasonably certain not only that a complete understanding could be reached with Russia, but that all the essential details of post-war international organisation could be determined speedily and satisfactoiily.