CANADA & THE NAVY.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1618, 9 December 1912, Page 7

CANADA & THE NAVY.

VIEWS OF THE WORLD'S PRESS. IMPERIAL PARTNERSHIPA NEW FORM OF FEDERATION. By Teleeraph—Press Association-Copyright Ottawa, December 7. A Liberal caucus is to be held to determine tho attitude of tho party as regards the Navy. It is understood that opposition will be offered to Mr. Borden's Bill, and au amendment moved favouring a Canadian-built navy, or that Canada should maintain the three Dreadnoughts herself, thus relieving tho Motherland of the cost of upkeep. '

The French-Canadian press generally objects to Mr. Borden's proposals, on the ground that they would involve a breach of Canadian autonomy. The Quebec journal, "L'Evenemont," alone favours the policy outright. Ottawa, December 6. The Liberal press, after further consideration of the naval policy, is developing hostility on the ground that there is no real peril to tho Empire justifying such a large expenditure. If the peril existed, the gift of the Dreadnoughts would be fully approved by both parties.

BRITISH NEWSPAPER COMMENT. THE DEFENCE COMMITTEE. (Rec. December 8, 6,5 p.m.) London, December 7. "The Times," referring to the enthusiastic scenes in the Canadian Parliament at the conclusion of Mr. Borden's speech, recalls the scene in the Sydney Assembly a quarter of a century ago on the passing of Sir Henry Parkes's Additional Naval Force Bill.

The "Nation" states that Mr. Borden makes it quite clear that the gift was mode on the condition, that Canada should obtain a seat on the Imporial Defence Committee, and share-in the control of Britain's foreign policy, also having tho right to withdraw the Dreadnoughts when Canada wante thorn. Therefore both parties would do well to hesitate before entering on such a path. The "Evening News" states that before the end of 1913 Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa would ba represented on the Defence Committee. But for a difference of opinion between Mr. Harcourt (Colonial Secretary) and Mr. Fisher, Australia would have had the honour of first admission.. The difference was as to whether the Australian representative should reside permanently in London or in Australia, periodically visiting England for special meetings.

Tho "Westminster Gazette" reciprocates Mr. Borden's hope to make a practical start with a real partnership. The controversy, whether the battleships would be an extra burden or an aid to the British taxpayer, was. meaningless and derogatory, and it would be a poor compliment to Canada if they were to be regarded as a mere appanage to the British Fleet. The "Manchester Guardian" says that colonial representation on the Defence Committee might make for a very serious breach in the theory of the executive responsibility of Parliament. The representatives might easily become the controlling power behind the Cabinet's naval foreign, policy. IMPRESSION IN GERMANY. ..'■■' : Berlin, December G. Canada's offer has created a disagreeable impression. It is not believed possible that the Dominions can make 6uch great financial sacrifices. Tho German press has been asserting for months past that Great Britain's Imperial spirit has been weakening. Germany, it added, should not leave the challenge unanswered. Additions to.tho Naval Bill and the air fleet are expected.

UNITED STATES OPINION. GREATEST FACTOR IN THE WORLD'S AFFAIRS. New York, December 7. The New York "World" asks: Will Australia and New Zealand be willing to retain their present subordinate roles when, by paying a few millions, they will bo able to secure a seat at tho Imperial Councils? The Canadian proposal was a new form of Imperial federation. What may India look for if the native princes persist in their scheme to provide Dreadnoughts ? The Now York "Times" takes the view that Canada is joining the vortex of militarism from which she has hitherto held aloof. Western Canada is revolting because her trade is being strangled in order to benefit tho British connection. Tho "Tribune" says the British Empire in six continents, with Imperial defence, Imperial representation, and Imperial free trade; will bo the greatest factor in the world's affairs. THE INDIAN PRINCES. THEIR BATTLESHIP OFFER. (Rec. December 9, 0.30 a.m.) London, December 8. : One of the native princes, in an interview regarding the Indian naval proposal, said the matter had been greatly exaggerated. What was contemplated was a gift of two battleships, costing four millions, to be provided by the princes alone. The idea behind the offer was that if India participated in tho Empire's defence, it would lead to better treatment of Indian interests in some of the colonics. SOUTH AFRICA. NO NEED FOR NERVOUSNESS. (Rec. December 8, 5.5 p.m.) . Cape Town, December 7. Mr. Botha states that there is no need for nervousness on the Naval question. South Africa hoped to be put right soon. Public opinion was divided as to whether to continue the naval contribution or to give Dreadnoughts, or to have its own navy. He was anxious to take the right course. AUSTRALIA'S POSITION. ■ STATEMENT BY MINISTERS. . Melbourne, December 7. Tho Prime Minister (Mr. Andrew Fisher), interviewed on the subject of Canada's offer, said: "That's all right, and Australia's all right." He supports the idea of an Australian delegate to the Imperial Defenco Committee, who should be a Minister closely in touch with the Australian policy. Senator Pearcc, Minister for Defence, said ho was sure Australians would hail with delight Canada's establishment of a fleet in the Pacific. "It is a recognition of Australia's position," he said, "and seeing that tho Dominion acted after consulting the Admiralty it is a commendation of our attitude." Tho Minister presumed that the Canadian scheme was complementary and supplementary to the Australian scheme. So far as he knew no communication had boon received from.tho Imperial Government regarding the pronosed Pacific fleet.

The matter was one of policy, upon which he was unable to 6pealr freely. THE ADMIRALTY. NEW FIRST SEA LOUD. (Kcc. December 8, 8.5 p.m.) London, December 7. Vice-Admiral Sir Jranois Bridgeman has resigned his position as First Sea Lord, for reasons of health. Ho is to be succeeded by Vice-Admiral Prince Louis of Battenberg, who is at present, Second Sea Lord.

Prince Louis of Battenberg is a naturalised British subject. He entered tho navy as a ■fraval cadet in 18G8, and rose to tho position of captain, in 1891. Ho served in the Egyptian war of 1882. He became Director of Naval Intelligence in 1902, Bear-Admiral in 1901, Commander-in-Chief of the Atlantic Fleet in 1908, and Commander of tho Third and Fourth Divisions of tho Home Fleet in 1911. _ Vice-Admiral Sir Francis Bridgeman entered the navy in 18G2; lieutenant, 1873; commander, 1884; captain, 1890; Rear-Admiral, 1903; Commander-in-Chief of the Home Fleet, 1907-9; and was made a Lord of tho Admiralty in 1910. COMMAND OF THE SEA. SPEECH BY HON. J. ALLEN. (By Telegraph.—Press Association,) Dunedin, December 7. There was no policy declaration at the Lawrence banquet, and, irrespective of Mr. Massoy's reference to Canada's naval policy the speeches were of a complimentary order. . , The Hon. J. Allen said bis dream had been that India, South Africa-, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada would one day join hands in forming a great Imperial Pacific fleet. (Applause.) How near, apparently, they were already to tho realisation of such a dream! There were difficulties to be contended with in Canada, and it was only by time and argument they could bring tho people of New Zealand to see what was right in regard to the defence problem. The British nation could never rest satisfied till it again had command of the sea. _ He did not mean command for aggressive purposes, but that the command would permit Great Britain to carry on its peaceable occupation of trade as between one part of the Empire and another,