Base

Future Of Manus

An Australian General Speaks His Piece

THE suggestion that the Manus Har bour base in the Admiralty Islands should be handed over to the United States (which built and operated the base) has been roundly condemned by Sir Thomas Blarney, who was Australian Commander-in-Chief in World War 11, and who, since his retirement, has shown a ready inclination to engage in public arguments.

Sir Thomas says that Manus is vital to the protection of Australia’s east coast; and, therefore, should remain in British hands —in other words, in Australian hands.

Sir Thomas, and people like him. are dangerous dreamers. Australia, with its 11 million people, has no more chance of protecting itself effectively against an attack from Asia in the future than it had in the past. Australia, even with its five fighting divisions, led by Sir Thomas Blarney in person, could not have held back the Japanese in 1942 for one week.

AUSTRALIA was saved in 1942 by the United States; and, should the same unhappy situation arise again, Aus tralia again would have to look to the United States for rescue.

The Mother Country will give all her blood and treasure of which she is capable to save her Dominions; but, if World War II taught one lesson more than another, it is that, under the con ditions of modern war, Great Britain

cannot possibly conduct a successful cam paign in the Pacific, while she is herseif threatened in Europe.

If the United States cannot be induced to police the Pacific in the future, and protect the “status quo,” then there prob ably will be no free white community in the South Pacific in 100 years’ time. The best way for Australia and other Euro pean countries in the Pacific to guard their future is, while maintaining the closest possible relationship with 'their mother countries, to do everything pos sible to ensure American friendship.

If America wants a few square miles of tropical islands as bases, let us give them gladly. If Americans should ask for 100 square miles of Australia, for the purpose of establishing another State of the Union here in the South-West Pacific, the Australians should give thanks to all their gods—and make the transfer before the Americans could grow cold on the idea.

Australians, notoriously, are fools in international affairs. But even Aus tralians must see that Australia, alone, cannot defend herself against Asia, if and when UNO is unable to keep the Asiatics at home.

Two Australians, the Rev. and Mrs.

L. G. Phillips, have been accepted for service with the Methodist Overseas Mis sions in Samoa. They will leave shortly for their new appointment.

An old Suva landmark disappeared in January when the big tree outside the Central Post Office was cut down. The tree was considered a danger to traffic, because its roots were affecting the sur face of the road, and its branches were interfering with telephone and power lines.