The Guardian (And Eveving Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30th, 1923. EMPIRE DEFENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 November 1923, Page 2

The Guardian (And Eveving Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30th, 1923. EMPIRE DEFENCE.

Earl Cavan's impending visit to the ovotsea.s dominions in a consultative capacity is deeply signficant in view of the decisions of the Imperial Conference and the strong agitation developing at Home in opposition to the demand that tie naval defence of the Empire is imperative despite Naval Pacts and the provisions of the Washington Treaty. “The project for developing Singapore, or rather for putting Singapore in order, has been criticised as it it were something new," declared Earl Beatty in a speech at the Lord Mayor’s banquet. “Singapore has been a base for many years, and it is recog-

nised by the astutest experts as the best stiatogical position in the Far East. Sitting British forces have long been stationed in the Western Pacific. Our possessions have not diminished, and their value is ever increasing. The great Dominions of Australia and New Zealand have grown in population and prosperity. They require protection as lnitt-h as nr more than in the pn.st, and the same may he said regarding India and the Crown colonies.” In the course of his remarks the gallant sailor pointed out that the Washington Conference had levognisecl that the scattered British Empire was entitled to special treatment as fir as cruisers were concerned. It may he mentioned that Britain's trade routes have a total length of B*l,ooo miles. Remembering that 1000 merchantmen steam along those routes at any given moment, we are able to realise, .says an exchange, how gigantic is the task of protecting shipping in war-time without :m adequate number i.f cruisers. Owing to the need for economy Britain's ci uiser-building programme lias not kept pace with her needs. The position may he stated in a few words: If those responsible for lhe destinies of the Empire and the- preservation of the liberties of the world can alford to rely

ft, our existence upon the goodwill ol others, then the Singapore base will mu he iv | tired ; Gut if insurance is v i-e. as Earl Be;itty suggests, if our interests are to he properly safeguarded then Singapore must he brought up to onto. Critics vho agree upon the necessity of the base hut disapprove of the selection of Singapore should look at the map. E't'l Beatty tillered this advice for lie claimed that the critics will not find another base in such a good strategical position for covering the portion of the Empire lying in the I'aeiiic and Indian Oceans and protecting the tititle routes between them and the rest of the world. It is manifestly desirable that the defence of the Empire should he developed since the highways of the ocean must he kept- open ami the safety of the young and developing nations scattered throughout tlte Seven Seas of the world should he ali'onled such efficient protection as will permit them to attain their destiny without fear of molestation or threats of invasion.