GREAT BRITAIN’S DEFENCE

Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1453, 13 May 1905, Page 2

GREAT BRITAIN’S DEFENCE

STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Received 9.37 p.m., May 12. London, May 12. In the House of Commons, in Committee of Supply on the Civil Service estimates, Mr Balfour made a weighty and warmly-applauded statement, based on the conclusions of the Committee of Defence. He adduced many reasons with figures, imaginary or a conorete case, to show that even if the fleets were absent from home waters, a Power like Franoe would find the invasion of England an insurmountable undertaking. Invasion of India was possible, but the whole of Afghanistan was a buffer State. India would never be taken with a rush, the problem being one of transport, supply, and a collision of magnitude at an early stage. Lord Kitohener’s view was that besides drafts there must be available for the defence of India relatively early eight divisions of infantry and other corresponding arms, all from Great Britain. (“ It ought, in my opinion,” he said, “be considered an act of direct aggression against Great Britain if an attempt were made to build a railway in Afghanistan in connection with the Russian strategic railway." v Received 9.50 p.m., May 12,

Mr Balfour, continuing, said that the Afghans were unlikely to welcome railwaymakers to their fastnesses. The Afghans would become very formidable opponents if they obtained, as undoubtedly they would, the assistance of the British in defending their territories. Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman congratulated the Premier on the courtly, important, and reassuring statement. Other speakers approved equally, apart from critioisms of details.

PLAIN INTIMATION TO RUSSIA,

FRONTIER AGGRESSION.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Received 11.4 p.m., May 12, London, May 12. Prior to referring to Afghans not assisting railway builders Mr Balfour said there was not the smallest ground for believing that Russia intends such a railway, but if an attempt iB made it would be tho heaviest blow that could be aimed at .India. “ If Britain is prepared resolutely to say that a railway may be built in Afghanistan, but only in war time, not during peace time, I think we would be within our power. Without fundamental reorganisation of forces, suoh as is implied in oonacription or any similar device, we should make India and tha colonies, equally with the Motherland, absolutely secure. If, however, by_ laxity, blindness and cowardice we permit the alow absorption of Afghanistan in the manner we necessarily permitted the absorption of Khanates, Central Asia, and strategio railways are allowed to oreep closer to the frontier, we are bound to defend the country, and will have to pay for our Bupineness by having to keep a muoh larger army.”