SINGAPORE BASE.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1924, Page 2

SINGAPORE BASE.

LATEST

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. NAVAL POLICY STATEMENT LONDON, March 7. Addressing a distinguished company at the. annual dinner ol his Majesty S Civil Service, including Hie Duke of ■ York, Mr MacDonald. Lord Chelmsf,.,d. Mesi'ss J. R. ('lynes, P. Snowden and ,!. H. Thomas, Admiral of the licet. Sir Doveton Sturdee declared that Singapore was the gateway to tho Pacific, lie thought they ought to defend it. and that Australians, Non' Zi (danders and everyone interested ill tlie China trado should help them. Mr MacDonald, subsequently proposing the toast of llie Civil Service, and relit ring to Press reports about Aduiiialty pressure with regard to fk*w. Singapore scheme, remarked that when he saw tho Admiralty officers, in whom they had the greatest confidence. being used as panns in the political game, he thought it his duty, as Head of a responsible Government, to protest. The Civil Service was tesfoi sible for advice, but the Government was responsible tor policy. Any newspaper attacks must therefore be diricted against the latter. 'I lie Prime Minister concluded by paying a high tribute to the loyalty aml n hole-hearted devotion sliomti by tile civil Service since Labour's adieu* to power. Sn i Ism vn Murray. Permanent Secretary of the Admiralty, responding, remarked that the tendency of the present Ministry to decide important qiuxtions for themselves made for g(,cd administration and prompt decisions. admiralty accepts decision. LONDON. March 8. The “Daily Express” says that the shelving of tlu* Singapore project was the subject of an interview between the Prime Minister and Lord Beatty. ’Pile former explained that Cabinet v as umvilling to go on with the propi,sill in view of the present state of finances. Lord Beatty promised that the Board o| Admiralty Mould accept the decision. The “Daily Express” adds:—“Tho dominions may protest but Cabinet dees not expect serious difficulties.” The lobby correspondent of the “Daily Chronicle.” referring to Singapore. says: Mr MacDonald lias learn•il the lesson, of bow far be can go with impunity. '1 be debate on tho building of six cruisers made him pan.so. hut the last word on the subject lias not yet been hoard. Labour of] o-ition is expected when the Navy Vote comes up lor discussion nextwick, and tin* Singapore question will llifi* probably he ventilated.”

MR BRI CE ON POSITION. MELBOURNE, March 10,

Mr Bruce, in referring to the cables regarding the Singapore Rase abandonment. characterised it as mere shots. Ho said :—“Tho London papers don’t know I know what is being clone, but f am not in a position to make a statement.”