Philippines

Japan And The

U.S.A. May Amend Independence Act.

THE manner in which Japan, in defi ance of all treaties and under standings, is forcing her rule upon adjoining countries, has given serious concern to that section of United States opinion that is interested in the Philip pines.

Although U.S.A., in fulfilment of the promise given when she took the terri tory from Spain, has granted the Filip inos partial independence, and is prepar ing to give complete independence and economic separation in 1946, it is certain that the great republic will not abandon

the Group, as planned, if the territory is simply going to be gobbled up by th,e Japanese.

Since Japan commenced the attack on China, and it became clear that Japan ese policy is dictated by a determination to control the Pacific, some prominent and influential Americans have become anxious about the condition of the Phil ippines. It is likely that Congress, pre sently, will be asked to amend the Act which gives the Philippines complete in dependence in 1946, so th,at the Group can remain for a longer period, and per haps indefinitely, under American pro tection.

The auxiliary vessel “Midas” re turned to Sydney on February 28, after having conducted oil search operations in Papua for Papua Oil Developments (Shell Company). Her crew was Cap tain Max Stanton (former mate in Sir Douglas Mawson’s “Discovery”); F.

Collins, engineer; and F, Geach.