FROM THE NAVY LEAGUE.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1112, 27 April 1911, Page 8

FROM THE NAVY LEAGUE.

INTERESTING COMMUNIQUE. Interesting indeed is the communication from the Navy League this mail. It embodies the following:—Tho two-power standard having now definitely and finally been abandoned in principle by the Government of the day, the Navy League has adopted a new policy—that 'of two keels to one. This policy has been justified by the recent pronouncement of the First Sea Lord. In the two years 1911 and 1912 Germany is to lay down, under the provisions of her is avy Law. six large armoured ships and the standard now adopted «d makes it necessary that twelve ships of similar typo shall be put in hand for the British Navy within the same period. Tho provision mado in 1911-12 is for live such ships, leaving seven to bo provided in 1912-13 if the standard is to be maintained. Upon this point the Navy League insists very strongly, because tho new standard, though it is based npon tho naval activities of the next strongest Power, at present Germany, is designed to recognise tho larger contingencies of tho future, and especially for the situation which will arise in 1915. In that year the alliance with Japan is due for termination, and the Mediterranean Powers will have added greatly to their armaments. In the view of the Navy League the question, is not national, it is Imperial. The requirements of tho Empire necessitate in tho near future the maintenance of a strong force in the Pacific. This is a matter in which the Dominions are as much concerned as ourselves. The coming Imperial Conference will afford tho opportunity for a discussion of the shares of the naval burden to lie borne respectively by the Mother Country and' the (laughter Dominions. An essential step is to give those Dominions a voice in the conduct of Imperial affairs, and, therefore, under the advice of the Admiralty, a voice in tho construction' and an influence upon tho distribution of the fleet. To this end the Navy League advocates the immediate formation of an Imperial Naval Stall' and trusts this vital question will receivo sympathetic consideration at tho forthcoming Imperial Conference.

Should the conferenco also result in such further provision that seven large armoured ships, with their proner complement of minor vessels and auxiliaries, can bo laid down nest year, the Mother Country and the Dominions bearing the burden together, the situation will bs made secure and the Navy League will bo satisfied.