SINGAPORE BASE.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 March 1924, Page 3

SINGAPORE BASE.

AUSTRALIAN ANI) N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. JAPANESE VIEWS. TOKIO, March 20. .Tile announcement of the abandonment of Singapore is hailed with satisfaction by tlie morning papers, which pay a tribute to the moral courage and loyalty to principles displayed by Air MacDonald and the Labour Party. It is considered that Britain’s example in the international peace policy is an important contribution to the world settlement. Other quarters are of opinion in view of the strong attitude and demands of the Dominions that the abandonment is only temporary. As an instance. Vice-Admiral Baron Sakamoto, who ridicules the Singapore is aimed at Japan, vs’ such an outstanding feature of Britain’s National policy cannot Ik’ dropped so easily. The Pacific will lie the most important part in future world’s affairs, to which Britain must preserve her entrance, which is naturally Singapore. AUSTRALIA’S It EG I! ETS. tins day at 8 a.m.) SYDNEY, March 22. The British Government's Singapore decision has caused general disappointment. Leading citizens interviewed epmhatienllty favoured calling public meetings to enable the people of Australia to register a protest against the over ruling of the wishes of the Dominions. Mr Ley (Minister of Justice) and the Lord Mayor of Sydney advocated meetings in both Australia and N.Z. to voice protests against the British Government’s decision. MELBOURNE, March 21.

A full meeting of the Defence Council discussed the position arising from the Singapore abandonment. Mr Bruce declined to disclose what was done saving he would make a statement later in Parliament,