THE BRITISH NAVY.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1443, 18 May 1912, Page 5

THE BRITISH NAVY.

6 IMPERIAL FLYING SQUADRON. naval division of labour

SOLID DEFENCE OF EMPIRE. LET COLONIAL OPINION DEVELOP. By Telcsraph—Press Association— Copyright (Rec. May 17, 11 p.m.) London, May 17. In the House of Commons Air. J. Norton Griffiths, Unionist, asked whether Mr. Churchill would consult tho Dominions on tho advisableness of creating a special Admiralty Board consisting of tho representatives of tho Admiralty and tho Dominions with «a view to encouraging tho formation of an Imperial flying squadron. Mr. Churchill replied that in view of tho pending visit of Canadian representatives tho question wa-s premature. VIEWS OF ADMIRALS. (Rec. May 17, II p.m.) London, May 17, Admiral Bridge, formerly commander-in-Chief of tho Australian Squadron, speaking at the Liberal Colonial Club on colonial naval defence, said that co-opera-tion in such an Empire as ours was only possible when it was voluntary. Sooner or later we must adopt the system of indivisible naval force under an Empire Council of defenco.

Admiral Henderson agreed with Mr. Churchill's speech. An Australian, Canadian, or South African fleet in being "was capable of a strategical movement at any time.

"The Times" says Mr, Churchill's vision of n naval division of labour was well inspired, and already, in view of the expressions of sympathetic concord, will suggest right methods. BRITAIN'S BURDEN. (Rec. May 17, 11 p.m.) London, May 17. Mr. Alfred Lytfcelton, speaking at the Imperial Mission meeting, dwelt on tho urgent necessity of. shaping a policy to secure the solid defence of tho Empire. It was unthinkable that Britain should be burdened with the defence of the wholo Empire, while tho participation of tho Dominions was optional, but bearing in mind the overseas' natural sensitiveness, it would bo bettor to let colonial opinion develop spontaneously.

CANADIAN OPINION, (Rec. May 17, 11 p.m.)

1 London, May 17. Tho "Montreal Star" acrimoniously comments on tho delusion that it was necessary to humour or flatter the Dominions. Canada does uot want Iter warships loafing about Vancouver when a sudden war breaks out in tho North Seiv, DOMINIONS MUST PLAY THEIR PART. London, May 10. Unionist newspapers welcome Mr. Churchill's speech. The "Pall Mall Gazette" says that Germany has made it impossible for tho British Floet to patrol tho Empire, therefore tho Dominions must p!ay their part quickly, so that Britain may recover her former naval superiority.

Liberal newspapers consider increased expenditure unnecessary. The only exception is tlie "Westminster Gazette," which adds: "Britain must maintain the necessary rates of strength or bc-como dependent on her neighbours and be nt the mercy of their combinations and alliances." SEA LORDS AND THE SERVICE. London, May 16. Following upon tho reorganisation of Admiralty methods, Vice-Admiral Prince Louis of Battenburg, Second Sea Lord, will command a fleet in the July manoeuvres. "The Times" commends Mr. Churchill's determination to keep the Sea Lords in touch with the service afloat.