London, Mar. 14.
The Pacific Conference, to be held in New Zealand, is a move by the Dominions in the direction of taking steps for their own protection, says the "Manchester Guardian."
The urgency of the situation is obviously one reason for the Conference, the paper states.
Before the Sino-Japanese hostilities, the Anglo-Japanese alliance and the predominant position of the British Fleet left Australians and New Zealanders secure from any fear of attack, it goes on. That security no longer exists.
The necessity for air defence, the aggressive character of Japan, and the feeling that British might be forced to concentrate her whole defence forces in Europe, have brought kome to Australians and New Zealanders the necessity for providing fór their own defence, the Manchester Guardian continues.
New Zealand has no secondary industries, whereas Australia is building up heavy industries and is already making all kinds of firearms, artillery and ammunition.
Recently, Australia has begun to manufacture aeroplanes, the paper adds. In this effort, New Zealand wants both to contribute and to share, according to the "Manchester Guardian."—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.