THE BRITISH NAVY

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 230, 23 June 1919, Page 5

THE BRITISH NAVY

IN RELATION TO THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS OUTSPOKEN CRITICISM BY MR. HUGHES AUSTRALIA'S POSITION IN TIME OF TROUBLE By Telegraph—Press Association—Oopjriebi (Kec. June 2li, S.S p.m.) London, June 20. Lord Dentu.in presided at .\ British Empire League luncheon to Mi. AV. M. Hughes and Sir Joseph Cook, at Claridge's Hotel. Mr. Hughes followed up his speech on Imperial economic policy by outspoken criticism of tho League of Nations in relation to the British Navy'. He said: "I welcomed the League uf Nations, but dots anyone think the Lenguu will bottle up human nature? Australia .is the most distant outpost of white civilisation. The real problem is, if wu are attacked, shall we call on the British Empire or the League of Nations for help? What will Australia's position be in tiino of trouble if the British Navy is J part of » polyglot heterogeneous 'forco attached to 3, League which will probably include our deadly enemy?" He added: "i don't doubt that the League, after careful and prolonged consideration, will act. but will it come to Australia's aid with the same swiftness as the British Navy? The first warning of the next war will bo the roar of- cannon. Tho British Navy has been our sure shield during tho past five years, and the Empire will not abandon the Navy for tho aid of that other thing which has still to win its spurs. If the Navy were controlled by that other, or whittled down, then there would lx> the beginning of the end of tho Empire." Sir Joseph Cook deprecated recent criticism. The Peace delegates were neither fools nor knaves, and were entitled to the people's sympathy. As an Australian leaving- the Motherland he said: "My feeling is that there is eo much trouble in our own country needing our energy and wisdom that it is better to leave England to face its domestic concerns while we unravel and'straighten out our own."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.