Guam has been United States territory for 42 years, during which period of time practically no attempt has been made to capitalize on its military possibilities, writes Capt. Frederick L. Oliver (U. S. M. Retired) to the "Christian Science Monitor."
Had Guam been developed as a naval base, it, together with Panama, Hawaii, and Alaska, would give the United States an almost impregnable advanced line thrown far out into the Pacific. Such a line would have made possible an entirely different plan of naval strategy in the Pacific, and incidentally have made a considerable difference in the huge outlay of money now being poured into the present effort to bolster the Nation's defences.
In 1938, the report of a Navy Board appointed to inquire into naval needs stated that a strong advanced base at Guam would assure Practical immunity of the Philippines against hostile attack in force.
The most favourable conditions that could be brought about for the prosecution of naval oper: tions in the Western Pacific, arising from what ever necessity. It would reduce to its simplest Possible terms the defence of Hawaii and the continental coast of the United States.
The ability of the fleet to operate with greater freedom in meeting emergency conditions that might arise in the Atlantic.
Over a long period of years, the Navy has vainly endeavoured to obtain Congressional authority to equip Guam as a naval base. Prior to the World War, Congress was consistently apathetic to the Navy's plea for funds. Shortly after the end of that war, a joint Army and Navy Board recommended that a first-class naval base be established at Guam, but no heed was given to the opinion of the Board, and in 1922 the confirmation of the Washington Treaty brought into effect provisions that precluded any military improvements being made at Guam.
Subsequent to Japan's denouncement of this Treaty in 1936, the appeasers in Congress had prevented any action being taken; they have not even been willing to provide funds for making the principal harbour a safe anchorage under all conditions of weather,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.