SINGAPORE.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18424, 3 July 1925, Page 9

SINGAPORE.

EARL BALFOUR'S DEFENCE. DEBATE IN HOUSE OF LORDS. (BT CABLE—rBESS (AUSTRALIA* AND X.Z. CABLB ASSOCIATION) (Received July 2nd, 7.3-5 p.m.) LONDON, July 1.

In tlio House of Lords, during the debato on the Singapore base. Lord Stanhope- said the extent of the development of the Singapore base was still under consideration. The Government had not reached a decision regarding tho provision of a graving dock. Tlio Admiralty considered that it would bo cheaper to build a. new dock than to enlarge any existing commercial dock. The Government did not intend to mako a great base, like Portsmouth or Devonport, and was considering whether it would be possible to reduce the original plan, in accordance with what the country was able to afford.

Earl Balfour said tho fundamental question, which ho had never heard answered (by the opponents of the base, was whether any worse economy was conceivable than spending sums to maintain the Fleet and yet not spending an additional sum to make it available wherever British possessions needed it. Ho asked how anyone could think that Singapore menaced Japan, and yet simultaneously not think that Japan menaced Australia, or believe that it was impossible that Japan could attack Australia without not also believing that Britain could not attack her. from Singapore, tho distances being practically the same.

Earl Balfow said theco was a vast military force in Japan, but there was no question of there ever being a military foroo at Singapore of menacing strength, either against Japan or any other Power. The force there was usable only dofensively. He elaborated the old argument that the best way to assure peace was to be prepared otherwise, although ho was most inclined to believe that we were beginning a great peace era. ' The discussion then terminated.