Pacific Problems

Plea for Principle of International Co-operation

THERE are explosive elements in the Pacific situation,” said Mr. R. J.

Boyer, MA, in an address at the University of Sydney; but the Pacific may be made the proving-ground for international policy, and if there is a real spirit of international co-operation, there need be no danger.

Mr. Boyer argued that if an attempt were made to solve the problems of the Pacific on a regional basis, a dangerous form of Pacific nationalism would ulti mately develop; therefore, the Pacific settlement of the future must accord with fair principles and be on an international basis.

No plan could be considered without taking the United States into account.

Americans believed that the preservation of peace in the Pacific was a matter, vital to America, and that the United States must take a leading part in all Pacific dispositions.

Mr. Boyer thought there was need for a Pacific Charter (as well as an Atlantic Charter) to which all nations with colonial responsibilities in the Pacific could adhere.

If the standard of living in China (where dwelt one-quarter of the human race) could be raised, the economic prob lems of the world would be solved, to an extent.

Australia, in relation to the Pacific, dare not follow an isolationist policy. She could not maintain large defence forces, while at the same time working out her own developmental problems. Australia, of all countries, must subscribe to the principles of international co-operation in dealing with the problems presented by the Pacific—R.D.