THE WHITE ENSIGN.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1735, 28 April 1913, Page 5

THE WHITE ENSIGN.

ON AUSTRALIAN WARSHIPS,

By Telegranli—Preßs Association— Copyright Adelaide, April 26. Tho Federal Defence Ministor (Senator Pearce), referring to tho "Manchester Guardian's" remarks 'on April 11, stated that tho Governor-General (Lord Denman) had received a cable messago from Mr. Lewis Harcourt, Secretary of Stato for tho Colonies, to tho effect that tho Australian ships would fly tho Wliito Edsign of his Majesty's Government. II o considers it unnecessary to rnako any formal notification to foreign countries regarding the status of Australian ships; The "Morning Post's" naval correspondent recently pointed out that if the Australian Navy were taking over the patrol duties in tho South Pacific. ratlier serious questions might arise. Tho Australian Navy, he eaul, is not under tho Admiralty's orders, so the Admiralty cannot bo held responsible for its actions. Tho Commonwealth is not tho sovereign powor. Accordingly Australian ships will not be recognised abroad as forming part, of tho British Navy, or they may be ignored altogether as possessing no place in international law.. If the Australian •Navy were refused recognition by the ships of a foreign Power, tho Commonwealth would bo deeply insulted, yet vessels not representing tho sovereign power aro regarded as privateers or pirates THE CRUISER BRISBANE. (Rec. April 27, 5.5 p.m.) ' London, April 26. . The Admiralty has placed a'provisional order for tho Commonwealth cruiser Brisbane's machinery with tho Vickcrs Maxim Company. ;