IN THE PACIFIC

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21247, 18 October 1940, Page 6

IN THE PACIFIC

STRENGTH OF DEFENCES IMPREGNABLE POSITION NO SERIOUS THREAT (United Press Asn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Oct. 18, 3.15 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 Mr Colgate W. Darden, chairman of the Congressional Committee , has returned from inspecting the Pacific defences. He said the United States need anticipate no serious threat on the Pacific coast with the present Navy. He saw no reason for public concern in the strained relations with Japan, asserting that he found more tension in Washington than in the coast States or Hawaii. The Assistant Secretary to the Navy, Admiral Compton, stated the United States is now ready to meet f he challenge of any aggression. The construction of the Aleutian, midPacific and Puerto Rico bases in six or eight months ahead of schedule and others are being rapidly completed. When the programme is completed the United States and the whole Western Hemisphere should be able to stand impregnable against an attack from any possible combination of enemies. The new turbines installed in the United States warships give an advantage over foreign ships in cruising radius and economy. “We no longer have to concede speed superiority to foreign navies,” he said.

JAPAN AND INDIES DESIRE FOR FRIENDSHIP CONFERENCE OF DELEGATES CO-OPERATIVE PROSPERITY united Press Asn. —Elec. Tel. copyright) (Received Oct. 18, 3.15 p.m.) BATAVIA, Oct. 17 The Japanese and Dutch Indies delegations have issued the following joint statement: — “ The relations between Japan and the Indies should not in the least way be affected by the Japanese-Axis pact. Japan’s only wish is co-opera-tive prosperity with its neighbours. “ The delegations had several meetings. The oil problem was the most prominent among the specific points raised. “ The Dutch gave elaborate explanations of the oil situation in the Indies. “ Negotiations are continuing on the understanding that a complete scope of subjects will be discussed shortly.”

CONDUCT OF MEMBER HOUSE OF COMMONS INQUIRY PAYMENT OF CLAIMS MR CHURCHILL’S STATEMENT (Omclal Wireless) (Received Oct. 18, 3.15 p.m.) RUGBY, Oct. 17 On the motion of Mr Winston Churchill the House of Commons agreed to appoint a select committee to report whether the conduct of Mr R. J. Boothby, M.P. for East Aberdeen, in connection with payment from certain Czech assets in Britain is inconsistent with the standard which Parliament is entitled o expect from its members. Mr Churchill explained that Mr Boothby took an active part when bills were introduced into the House regarding the payment of claims in Britain from certain Czech assets which had been blocked at the time of the occupation of Prague, becoming chairman of the informal committee which pressed for payment of the claims.

Evidence recently placed before the Government indicated that Mr Boothby had a financial interest in a large claim, a fact which appeared inconsistent with a statement made to the former Chancellor of the Exchequer. As there appeared to be a conflict of evidence in the possession of the Government and the facts as Mr Boothby described them, Mr Churchill felt that the matter raised issues besides that of privilege, and thought it best that they should go to a select committee. He added: “Mr Boothby has assured me that he concurs in the course proposed, and submits himself willingly to the committee and will assist it in every way. I did not consider it fitting at this stage to call for Mr Boothby’s resignation from an office which he holds with distinction. as this might appear in the eyes of the public to prejudice the issue. Mr Boothby, however, asked to be suspended from his duties meanwhile, and I am prepared to make the necessary arrangements ”

MR ANTHONY EDEN CONFERENCES IN EGYPT SEES KING AND MINISTER (United Pivs-: A-n.- El.r Tel. i.opyrignt) (Received Oct. 18, 3.15 p.m.) CAIRO. Oct 17 Mr Anthony Eden, in interviews with King Farouk and the Minister of Defence, expressed appreciation of Egypt's support. Mr Eden is also having conferences with Sir Archibald Wavell, Commander-in-Chief in the Middle East, and other military leaders.