Editorial Note

Any man with a knowledge of the history of the last 100 years, and carrying a map of the Pacific in his mind, would be a fool indeed if he could not see that the ultimate aim of the Japanese is the domination of the Pacific. The struggle must come —this is as certain as the sunrise. Be cause North America, part of southern Asia, Aus tralia and practically the whole of the South Pacific Territories are in Anglo-Saxon hands, it is inevitable that the ultimate struggle for the domination of the Pacific will be between Japan, on the one hand, and the Anglo-Saxon nations (Great Britain and the United States) on the other. That could be seen 20 or 30 years ago by people with clear vision and some understanding of the great natural laws which govern human affairs. But observers saw with equal clarity that the struggle was not imminent.

The Japanese are a very clever people, who can take the long view. They knew—and still know— that, situated as they are now, they have little chance against the Anglo-Saxon nations. If they are to enter such a struggle with any prospect of success, they must have unlimited reserves of men, foodstuffs, and raw materials. And so, 20 years ago, the wise statesmen of Japan turned towards the mainland of Asia.

Little by little, they are taking possession of China. Already, they hold Korea and dominate Manchuria, and have penetrated deeply into Mon golia. They have snapped their fingers at the League of Nations in regard to the Mandated Islands and Manchuria. There is not the slightest doubt that within 50 years—probably a much lesser period—they will have complete control of China; and then, with those colossal reserves of men and materials at their back door, they will turn in the opposite direction, and face their potential enemies in the Pacific.

Sometime before next century dawns, the struggle between the European and Asiatic races for the domination of the Pacific will have taken place; and nothing that human ingenuity and altriusm can devise —neither Leagues of Nations nor Christian brotherhood nor international al liances —can prevent this thing. Japan is not ready yet, nor is she likely to be for a decade or two. so that her preparations in the Mandated Islands and elsewhere in the Pacific are not yet on a serious scale. But only a fool would deny that her plans are already made, or that already she has a record of every island and every rock in the North and Central Pacific.

The American yacht Yankee, command ed by Captain Irving Johnson, departed from Suva, Fiji, on May 16 for the New Hebrides in continuation of her voyage around the world.