NAVAL POLICY

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2344, 29 December 1914, Page 6

NAVAL POLICY

SIR. FISHER, OUTLINES HIS VIEWS. (By TeleeraDh.-Prese iesociation.) Auckland, December 28. Co-operation between the two countries ior the establishment of a naval force to defend Australia and New Zealand is regarded by Mr. Fisher as a rational conclusion to which consideration of the question will lead. Mr. Fisher hopes to tind opportunity to foster a greater intur.acy. between the Commonwealth and the Dominion by discussing the subject with the pub'lio men of New Zealand. A general statement of his yiows regarding naval defence was given this evening by Mr. Fisher. He has'not prepared any definite scheme for the 1 consideration of his audience, but is content in the meantime to enunciate a broad basie of argument in favour of an Australasian policy. He declared that the events of tho past few months have shown that the defence of the British Dominions in the Pacific is a matter demanding the urgent consideration of tho Australasian peoples from tho point of practical necessity. Some people think that the close of this contest with Germany and Austria will be followed by' a peaceful period of many years. He remarked that such a hope was too uncertain a foundation upon which to trust our safety and security. It is quite unreasonable to expect the Mother Country, with the enemy at her gates, to devote her energy in tho defence of distant dominions, whose own strength enables them to act in their own behalf. Moreover, the national development of both Australia and New Zealand will be stimulated.if they determine to rely upon their own resource* for the defence of their countries fo> which they already realise themselves t< bo responsible, by undertaking tho main, tenance of a. naval force which will directly be part of the British Navy, but under tho executive control of tho two countries, so- that it can be utilised speedily and efficiently at any time They, will develop their manhood, expand their ideas, and toughen, tho fibn of the race. . ! "Our experience during the existenci of the Fleet," said Mr. Fishor, "has eho.vn that local control in naval defence is the most utilitarian and probably the only practicable method." Mr. Fisher declared the interests and the destiny of both Australia and Now Zealand are so irrevocably related that it rcems to him cooperation ie desirable and advantageous to both countries. "In some respects the interests of Canada are involved, hut her affairs are rot so closely allied , with ours. Such a co-operation need not impair the autonomy or the responsibility of cither country. There is no idea in Australia that tho Commonwealth should exercise a dominant control in the partnership, nor has it any desire to influonco the Dominion beyond its immediate interests and our common advantage. There can bo no doubt that our responsibilities as Dominions will greatly increase with the growth in our population and importance. In my opinion, tho day has already como when our own self-respect should persuade us to abandon tho policy of reliance upon the British taxpayor for our protection,"_ said Mr. Fishor. "Wo are not richer in financial resources, but our countries are much richer in productive power, and our condition demands that wo should bear at least our full share of our own defence and 60 co-operate in the maintenance or the Empire." Mr. Fisher added that he hoped, to foster public sympathy with tho policy he was advocating. If no more ia achieved, ho remarked, we can at loast gain a proper kiKwledge of each other's point of view. Whether New Zealand is prepared to enter, into euch a scheme of co-operation or not, Australia will continue'to do her part in accordance with this policy, building her own ehips and striving to mako her defensive pre< -aautioue independent of-other countrießi