" THE PROBLEM OF THE PACIFIC." [To TIE EDITOR or
THE " SPECTATOR."] SIR,—In your generous review of my book, The Problem of the Pacific, which appeared in the issue of May 3rd, is the following sentence: "We are somewhat surprised in this connexion to find Mr. Fletcher, in guarded and enigmatic terms, favouring the en- gagement of Indian coolies for Northern Australia and Queens- land." May I also express surprise that such a reading of the book has been possible? In the chapter dealing with India I have undoubtedly pleaded for a better understanding; and this has been urged in the general suggestion that where the Pacific grippe and islands lack labour India should come to the rescue. But the main 'object of the book' has-been to urge a better understanding betweeen Australia and Asia, using Queensland's wise arrangement with Japan, before' the -Commonwealth was established, as a strong argument. The -essence of that arrange- ment, as far as Queensland was concerned, was that the respon- sibility of keeping out Japanese of the labouring classes was thrown upon Japan. My desire has been to show the basis upon which the principle of a " White Australia " rests, and to that-end I have quoted Sir Henry Parkes, giving the history of his fight for a due recognition of Australia's difficulty in the matter. The position is as strong to-day as it was then; and writing from Australia I have assumed that it must remain incontrovertible in the terms laid down by Sir Henry Parkes. Within the limits of a " White Australia " policy, if the principle enunciated by him• be accepted, it should still be possible for a good -understanding to be reached with both India and Japan. Queensland before federation showed how this could, be done; and the Commonwealth in 1904tadopted similar course when, by direct negotiation between Melbourne and Simla, Indians who sought to enter Australia as tourists, traders, students, and officials werafree to do so.
The difficulty, no doubt, in your reviewer's mind has arisen because it is natural to include Australia and its million square miles of• land within •the tropic% as part of the Pacific. Is not Australia shown on the map so P But half Australia faces the Indian Ocean) Australia is mightily concerned in the Pacific, and in the employment of native labour therein, but Austra- lians think• of their' island, continent as a home for Europeans. My argument. in this connexion has been sharpened by the lack ofe cooperation between the Australian States and the Commonwealth in attracting immigrants from Europe, In The Problem of the Pacific I have suggested a scheme by which a tide of European immigration may be turned this way if everybody will work heartily to that end. With, therefore, the principle of a " White Australia " explained, and a scheme for making, it effective formulated, I have proceeded to urge the friendly understanding with India -for developing the Pacific which is imperative if progress. in the future is to be worth anything for the islands and island groups. Unfor- tanately'laok of leisure to expand this view, and the terrors-of the. Censorship, have made my argument obscure, and my
apology is due to your reviewer and to my readers everywhere
—I am, Sir, &c., C. BRIINSDON: FLETCHER.. Sydney, Australia, .June 25tk.
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