PACIFIC FORTIFICATIONS VITAL TO THE DEFENSE OF U.S.--QUENTIN ROOSEVELT

Discussing the possible outcome of a war with Japan, Quentin Roosevelt '41 last night told an audience of about 50 students in Eliot House that continued resistance by the Chinese in the present conflict and the superiority of our natural and financial resources would lead to an American victory.

Roosevelt described an engagement between Japanese warships and coastal fortifications in which the usually favored land batteries were ineffective. This incident, together with the known power of their navy, convinced him that any attempt of the United States to block a Japanese attack on the Dutch East Indies would be futile.

Offensive Would Be Dangerous

The attempt of either nation to stage an offensive in waters far from home bases could only result in disaster, and any decisive victory might require years of fighting. In spite of our weakness in the Far East, Roosevelt suggested that we might well block a Japanese infringement of our rights by a concentration of ships at Manila, and by threatening to place an embargo on Japan.

With descriptions of a trip into North China that puts fiction to shame, the globe-trotter mentioned Russia's effect in the present war. A large part of China's arms have been flown into this region, but contrary to popular belief, the main route for Russian imports is the Burma Road.

All important to the future welfare of China, this trade artery is impervious to attack from the air because of its clever construction and a ready supply of labor for repair work. Chinese engineers have built the many bridges so that only six hours are needed before shipments may pass after a bombing.

In an advance to the south, Japanese troops have taken part of the railroad which runs up into southern China. The land through which this line passes is one of the wildest regions in the world, and no Japanese flank attack upon China's defensive could possibly succeed.

According to Roosevelt, the invasion of Indo-China may indicate future plans for taking the Dutch East Indies. British power at Singapore will be unable to stop the advance, because England cannot afford to spread her navy too widely. Any action taken to stop Japan must come from America, and must be based on a sensible policy of strengthening our sphere of influence as far as Hawaii, where we already have a foundation for it.