America's Maginot Line

in Pacific A Mighty Defence Organisation That Keeps Japan at Home

ALTHOUGH Japan had been left iso lated by the German-Russian rapprochement, and the threat against the peace of the Pacific was con sequently less, the United States, at the end of September, was continuing de fence preparations along the long mid- Pacific line, from Alaska and the Aleu tian Islands, in the far north, to Pago Pago, in the South Pacific.

The line is formed by innumerable is land bases for warships and aircraft. Par behind it, and at a central point, is Hawaii, with the great Pearl Harbour base; and. behind that, is the east coast of North America, with many fortified harbours.

This Maginot Line in the Pacific, with its vast network of naval and air defences is intended to keep out any unfriendly force which might approach America.

There is only one Power which would approach America across the Pacific— namely, Japan.

America, at the end of September, moved a large section of her fleet from the American coast to Hawaii.

Two of the U.S.A. navy’s finest sub marines, “Cachalot” and “Cuttlefish”, left Honolulu early in September to visit American Pacific stations as far south as Pago Pago.

What Will America Do?

Frequently, in the Pacific, one hears the question, “What will America do?”

All the indications are very clear. The Americans show no inclination to enter the war on the Allies’ side. They will alter the Neutrality Act, so that they can sell goods to the Allies on “a cash and carry basis”—that is to say, they will not even give them credit—and they will grow fat and rich on the trade created by the war orders of Britain and France.

But, otherwise they prefer to keep out of it.

While the young men of Great Britain and France are fighting in defence of democratic liberties and the decencies of civilisation, the Americans probably will tell the world that they are the bulwark of the world’s freedom. However, who can blame them? If Britain were wise, she would remove all of Britain that could be moved from her present situ ation to Australia, and there be free and reasonably safe, 10,000 miles away from lunatic dictators and racial volcanoes.

However, if the fleets of American war ships and aeroplanes, picnicking and play acting up and down the north-western Pacific, can induce the Japanese to stay at home, they will perform a real ser vice for the Allies.

Notice was given in the New Guinea Gazette recently that Far East Alluvials, Limited, incorporated in Britain in 1936, and registered in New Guinea as a foreign company in April, is to be struck off the register. And so ends an enterprise that was liberally and confidently subscribed to by British investors, and that should have been of the greatest benefit in the development of the Territory—but which, through waste and muddling, collapsed before it could achieve anything. It is to be hoped that the unfortunate British shareholders will learn the “inside story” of this company.