The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1924-10-11
(Continued from page u

navy, the AIHSRhCdu ndNdl eApSTlS
inevitably retaYiate: "Why, did we
not build up our navy for sole purpose
of defending your islands from the
German submarines? ?" This, you see,
is the reason why America built up
her navy. OF course, incidentally that
navy may serve other purposes, too.
Why, then, did the United States
call that Washington conference? Not
because they could not build their
warships fast enough, or because they
could not make their liners big
enough. No, America has no compe-
tition in that field The main ques-
ton was that of trained men-power.
1t is impossible to create over night
well-trained, well-disciplined navy
personnel. That requires time. And
therein lies the cause why the issue
of a ten years breathing spell was
raised at the Washington conference.
While insisting upon a limitation pro-
gram in the construction of new lin
ers, American military-naval publica-
tions made it known to the world
that if that program was not accept
ed, America could show that she can
turn out warships as speedily and
efficiently as she can bake her cele-
brated pies. To this the leading Eng
fish military-naval magazine answer
cd approximately thus: why all
t3ese threats? We are always ready
ar a peaceful agreement" This is
something new in the psychology of
afficial England. England is fast learn
ing to submit to America and the most
she is demanding of her is politeness
and good manners. Good manners.
That is the maximum of what the Eu-
ropean bourgeoisie may expect in the
future from American capitalism.
In this struggle between England
and the United States the former has
only one alternative: to retreat, to
compromise. That is the price Eng
lish capital has to pay for the privi-
lege of sharing in a measure in the
fortunes OF American capital. Thus
is being produced a certain semblance
of a coalition of Angio-Saxon capital
England is thus able to save her face
at the same time securing a goodIy
share Of the spoils. But whatever Eng
land is getting she mHst pay for it
by retReating before the onward
march of American capital. And
while politically the world position of
America is growing stronger. that of
England is becoming weaker and
weaker.
Only recently England had to give
up her plan to fortify Singapore
Singapore is the most strategic point
between the Indian ocean and the Pa
cific. 1t is the most important base
for English politics in the Far East
But these politics in the Pacific, Eng
land can pursue either in alliance with
Japan against America OF with Ameri-
ca against Japan. A choice which was
very difficult for Mcdonald to make.
Hence his decision to give up the
plan Of fortifying Singapore regard
less of the fact that large sums of
money have already been assigned for
that purpose. OF course, this is not
yet the last word in the imperialist
policy of Great Britain. The matter
may be reconsidered later. For the
present, however, it means that Eng
land has begun to recede from an in
dependent policy Of action on the Pa
cific.
And who, do you think, has ordered
Eyes ordered) England to sever her
alliance with Japan? OF course,
America. This demand was virtual
ultimatum to England, and England
obeyed So far England is retreating
and retreating. But does it mean that
England will continue this policy Of
retreat and that the possibility of
war between England and the United
States is excluded? Not by any
means. On the contrary: Thru her
present policy, England is getting
only into greater and more difficult
contradictions in her relations with