On Guard!

Quick Action Throughout Pacific Territories on September 28

WHEN, on September 26 to 28, it seem ed that war between the Western Powers of Europe was unavoidable, there were quick, though unobtrusive, movements in all British and French ports throughout the Central and South Pacific.

It was noted that, in those critical hours, all German ships disappeared out of sight, over the horizon; but that Jap anese ships in port remained in port, ap parently unperturbed. Yet the active Anglo-French preparations were not con nected with the Germans at all—they were designed to meet any possible move by Japan, the presumed ally of Germany.

It would be impossible, here—even if we had the details—to give any indica tion of the measures that were taken in scores of ports in Australia, New Zea land and the South Seas; but it was comforting to note that the authorities apparently have a plan ready for oper ation in an emergency.

Severe apprehension was felt in New Guinea among well-informed people, who sensed what was going on. New Guinea is very conscious of its nearness to the Japanese Mandated Territory.

After the bluff and bluster of Austra lian Ministers regarding the non-use of the Mandated Territory for military pur poses. it would be interesting to know what precautionary measures were taken by the defence authorities in regard to New Guinea, between September 20 and 30.