IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1628, 20 December 1912, Page 5

IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

SAFETY IN NUMBERSMUTUAL ASSISTANCE IN WAR. THE CANADIAN DEBATE. By TelesraDh—Press AKsoclatlon—OoDTrlent Sydney, December 19. The "Sydney Morning Herald," commenting oa the growing mutual attitude between Australia and New Zealand, .says either Dominion is beginning to recognise that the difficulties and responsibilities of its lot are'greater than appeared at the first flush of enthusiasm. Perhaps the darkening clouds of. the international situation have taught a lesson similar to that in iEsop's fable of the "bundle of sticks." At any rate, there appea-rs to be a growing sense that in matters relating to our national integrity, and with it the integrity of the Pacific and the British Empire, our interests are not individual, but identical. In order to further our joint destinies, there is not a necessity for New Zealand to sacrifice a vestige of her individuality."

CANADA AND THE EMPIRE. "AT THE PARTING OF THE WATS." Ottawa, December 18. The Liberal attitude towards, the Empire is well expressed by Mr. Germnne, in objecting to the centralisation of authority in London. Canada, he said, ought to work out her,.own.desthy rithia the ■ Empire, but along her own lines. The Conservatives replied that Canada was now at the parting of the ways, and muist either draw closer to the Empire or drift outside it. The debate on Mr. Borden's policy is likely to continue until the end' of January. ... . .

POLICING THE PACIFIC. A SUGGESTION OF 1909. (Eec. December 19, 9.5 p.m.) , Ottawa, December 19. Mr. George Foster (Canadian Minister for Trade), .speaking in: the. Navy debate, referred to the Imperial Conference of 1909, when had been suggested the building of four fleets in the Pacific,: each headed by one great fighting ship. AuSr tralia and New Zealand had agreed, but Canada withheld. her consent. Then, he declared, an opportunity was lost of doing the most effective thing for the securing of British naval supremacy in- the years' to come. Now, he said, Canada was making an effort to redeem .the past. Mr. Foster ridiculed the Liberals' con. tention that because Mr. Borden proposed to contribute money for the building of Dreadnoughts, instead of building their own fleet; and manning their own. ships, therefore tho, Canadians were cowardly. He questioned if the Australians and New Zealanders wera "cowardly" simply because they'had contributed to tho Empire, for twelve years.. ...