EMPIRE NAVIES.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1898, 5 November 1913, Page 5

EMPIRE NAVIES.

•ADMIRAL SUPPORTS LOCAL' FLEETS. AUSTRALIA COMMENDED. By IWerrapli—Press Afisoclation-OopyrigliS (Rec. November 5, 0.20 a.m.) London, November 4. Admiral Sir Edmund Fremantle, in a letter to the "Morning Post," considers that a squadron of Dominions' ships based on Gibraltar to be used for tho protection of trade routes, would bo an admirable solution of tho present overseas requirements. Suoli fleets, however, would do little to stimulate tho' maritime proclivities of the overseas. Empire, and were not practical politics at the present moment. Tho fact that Australia has loyally carried out Admiral Sir R. T. Henderson's proposals is an object-lesson regarding the right course to bo adopted. The enthusiasm of the Commonwealth was in strong contrast to tho political difficulties in which Mr. Borden, the Canadian Primo Minister, has been involved in his effort to_ meet the Admiralty's views. Admiral Fremantle adds that he is disposed to.troat lightly t'lie difficulty with regard to the combination of tho Australian and Canadian squadrons in var time. Tho Australian would not be a tinpot navy, for it is already a forco_ to be reckoned with', and any Dominion's squadrons would be anxious to join in making one great Imperial Navy in .case of war.' Not only EuroSean complications, but Australia's and r ew Zealand's troubles regarding tho | New Hobrides and Japan must concern the wliolo of the Emuire.