NAVAL POLICY.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1655, 23 January 1913, Page 5

NAVAL POLICY.

AUSTRALIA'S POSITION. . ABANDONED SCHEMES, By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright Melbourne, January 22. Senator Pearce, Minister for Defence, in a statement regarding the Commonwealth's suggestion for a subsidiary conference on defence, :—"Three. different schemes were drawn up for. the 1909 conference, and the Australian agreement alono was carried out. If co-operation is to be ensured it will therefore be necessary for Canada ami New Zealand either to carry out their schemes or propose a substitute. The Commonwealth considers it would be advantageous if New Zealand and Canada could come to an agreement for the defence of.the Pacific. Australia has'been invited to send a 'Minister to attend tlie Defence Committee. ,We suggested a subsidiary conference, to be held either in Australia, South Africa, Now Zealand, or Vancouver. The Imperial Government replied that that was impossible at present. The question would be allowed to bo revived later in the year. I think it unnecessary at present to have an Australian Minister on the Defence Committee. Our .policy is known to bo approved by the Admiralty, and can be adjusted to meet any development of tlie Canadian and New Zealand policies. Great Britain icon build the ships required, but can sho find the officers and men ? The Australian policy differs from those of the other Dominions inasmuch as it provides for the training of officers and men to man our ships."

A Press Association message* from Auckland states that the Prime Minister (Mr.Massey), interviewed with reference to yesterday's Melbourne cable on ; New Zealand's defence policy, said he could say nothing on the subject. He declined officially either to confirm or deny the statements made. .