Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1925-04-17
ARMADA DRIVES ON
/ TO BATTLE SCENE
Stats of High Command Lay
Final Plans for Attack
on Oahu.
wv the Associated Press.


SAN FRANCISCO, April 1.-THE
etrategical Importance of the lsland
of Oahu in the defense of the United
States was being brought home to the
officers and men of the armada OF
America as the STATS of the hlgh
command pored over maps and charts
today in a final check of plans for the
fleets attack against the island, in
the hands of a theoretical enemy.
It was pointed out in connection
with the maneuvers that the Terri
tory of Hawaii is an integral part OF
the United States, having been an
nexed as was Texas. Situated near
the geographical center of the North
Pacific, Honolulu's status as a port
of call makes it worthy of It's claim
that 1t is the crossroads of the
Pacific" But more important to the
naval and military strategists Is the
fact that Oahu Is the hub of the
nations defense of the Pacific Coast
and acts as a buffer between the coast,
from Alaska to the Canal Zone, ana
any enemy that might move across
the Pacific toward the mainland of
the United States.
If the islands were held by such
enemy. they would constitute a threat
of formidable dimension against the
coast, 1t has been pointed out. AT
speed of Is knots, we'll within the
capabilities of a modern fleet, an
enemy based on Honolulu could ar
rive off any United States port from
SItka to San Diego in from six TO
seven days. AS the islands are in or
near all trade routes across the North
Pacific and between the mainland and
,-f, 10 nnSGe2SlOn
would be placed favorably to intercept
all these trade routes effectually.
Could Not Pass.
On the other hand, 1t has been
pointed out, an enemy bent on attack
ing the mainland of the United States
must pass near Hawaii and II the
Emitted States fleet were based there
he would hardly dare pass them, be-
cause that would permit the American
feet to fall upon his rear and inter
rupt his line of communication.
The distance of the islands from
the Pacific coast introduces some diff
cult problems to be served in provid-
ing for their adequate defense. Their
remoteness from any possible enemy
simplifies to some extent the defense
of any of the United States contlnen-
tai territory.
Their comparatively small area and
location make them immune from
capture by any except an overseas
expedition on a considerable scale.
Similarly, in case of enemy attack,
they could be relieved only by naval
force such as the one which is steam
ing today toward it's objective.
Known to Be Weak.
The defenses of Oahu, the only
fortified island in the group, have
been strengthened greatly in recent
years to provide against attack by
new and improved weapons of war
fare. Like other defenses, these can.
not be said to be complete, for this
can never be determined until actu-
ally subjected to the test of war, it
has been pointed out. In certain re-
spects the defenses are known to be
weak and in certain other respects an
actual attack might show them to be
inadequate.
Therein is found the motive for the
present maneuvers to ascertain as
closely as possible the strength of or
weakness of the defense of the key
stone of the Nations defenses in this
ocean. The fleet left San Francisco
three days ago.