Are We to Become

'American Colonies'?

Some Possibilities of Pacific Situation

A thoughtful man to whom I was chatting recently in Sydney re marked: “I wonder if you people interested in Pacific trade realise what is happening. By the time this war is over, and everything settles down again, it seems inevitable that the territories of the Pacific, including Australia and New Zealand, will be practically colonies of the United States.”

I replied: “Well, the prospect does not appal me. I am sure that we would all prefer to remain British—but if world affairs indicated that a change is coming, then I should just as soon be American.”

To-day, many people are thinking this way. The United States, to-day, is the world’s greatest power; and it seems cer tain that the United States and Britain will become very close allies in order to save civilisation from destruction at the hands of Totalitarianism. Even after Germany and Italy are defeated, there remains Russia —also a mighty Totali tarian state.

The events of 1941 will show the trend of the coming years; and the indications are that, for decades to come, the great Anglo-Saxon nations, leaders in the fight for individual liberty and the decencies of life, will go constantly armed and vigilant. Under such conditions, it is quite possible that the British communi ties of the South Pacific—including Aus tralia and New Zealand—will come under the direct protection of the United States.

If Japan finally consents to become Hitler’s instrument, and enters the war,

we may find ourselves being protected by American warships at a very early date.

Even if Japan sees the abyss in time, and does not go forward to war, it seems likely that Japan, for years to come— until she is certain that Britain and America cannot be defeated—will remain as a menace to our security; and, to that extent, we shall look to the United States for protection, and make closer political and commercial ties with the great republic.—R.