PACIFIC NAVIES.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1838, 26 August 1913, Page 5

PACIFIC NAVIES.

ABANDONED SCHEME. AUSTRALIAN NAVAL POLICY COMMENDED, CO-OPERATION NEEDED. By Telegraph—Fresi Association—Cod jTjelit • (Rec. 25, 11.20 p.m.) London, August 25. Tho "Morning Post" complains of tho chaotic condition of tho Empire's sea defences, and points out that Australia alono is carrying out her part of tho sclicmo under which Australia, New Zealand, and Canada wero to co-operato with England ill tho Empire's defenco in tho Pacific. England has not fulfilled her promise regarding tho provision of a fleot unit for tho China station, but has retained tho battleship Now Zealand for tho defenco of the North Sea. New Zealand alone of /the Dominions enters heartily into tho policy of a central Navy, and oven she would prefer her ship in her own neighbourhood. "Wo aro faced with the hard fact,"adds tho "Morning Post," "that Australia is tho Dominion having tho most to show for its naval policy. Possibly tho local naval idea is unsound from a strategic standpoint, but Australia is doing what was proposed with a thoroughness proving that tho local navy idea is ono which gets things done. Tho prido of possession in a navy is an incontivo which a contribution to a central fund does not supply. Perhaps it will bo well to reconcile ourselves to tlie idea of an Empire based not on centralisation, but on allianco for defence. The only feasible policy is cooperation in shaping a policy in tho interests of all tho Empire's partnors. Tho plan of 1909 is worthy of reconsideration and readoption.