EMPIRE AND NAVY

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1458, 5 June 1912, Page 7

EMPIRE AND NAVY

SOME CROSS CURRENTSPROPOSED IMPERIAL PATROL SQUADRON. By Telograph-Press Association—Copyright. (Wee. June 1, 9 p.m.) London, June 4. The "Pall Moll Gazette," in an article entitled "Imperial Cross Currents," says it rests with the statesmen of the Motherland to find a common denomination to enable tho divergent naval aspirations of the overseas Dominions to be utilised for fho common good. Sir. Fisher has stated the Australian position with admirable precision, and it is not less worthy of commendation than Canada's and Zealand's desire to have ships where the danger is nearest. There are weaknesses in both positions. The schemes of Canada and New Zealand do not satisfy the aspirations of tho spirit of '"nationality within the Empire-, as they lead away from tho. ultimate hope of an Empire navy built and manned by the several States proportionately to their resources. The Australian position avoids this disadvantage, but avoids it by the sacrifice of strategical principles and effectiveness. ' The retention of New Zealand's Dreadnought in-Home waters also sins against the principle of Mr. Churchill's proposed Imperial patrol. Australia should recognise that the giving up of the cruiser Australia to the patrol would not mean the splitting of the Meet, but the making use of the material which her patriotism had provided. There must be one guiding brain, and that brain for the present can only be the Admiralty.