SINGAPORE BASE.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 March 1924, Page 2

SINGAPORE BASE.

LATEST CABLE NEWS

lUBTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. CONFIRMED BY COMMONS VOTE. LONDON, .March 25. In the House of Comons, the naval base debate was opened by Sir Robert Horne moving a reduction of £IOO in the Navy Estimates as a protest against the Government’s policy. He said the Government, while professing to consult the Dominions, merely announced their decision to the Dominions. They did not give them a chance to do anything in the matter, after the Government had passed judgment. He had never seen consultation take a more discourteous form. He emphasised that the Dominions mainly concerned were Australia and New Zealand, and they protested emphatically, and expressed dismay at the Government’s decision. Sir it. Horne read extracts from Mr Bruce’s communication, and said it was impossible to imagine a protest expressed in g,raver language. The motion was rejected by 287 votes to 211. Sir Robert Horne, in his speech, said the abandoning of the Singapore project- meant washing their hands of any possible delence oi Australia, New Zca-

land and India. The action of the Government was not a large gesture to the world but a backward nod to the supporters behind Cite Prime Minister. L was a sop to the pacifieoes "ho gave him votes. Sir R. Horne’s speech is described by the “Daily Chronicle” as tlie best fighting speech from a Conservative since Mr MnoDoimld took office. It aroused frequent Opposition cheers. Mr Ammon (Naval Secretary) said that notwithstanding the messages ol Mr Bruce and Air Massey, there "ns a body of opinion in Australia and New Zealand against tlie Singapotc scheme. Mr Lambert said that the only possible enemy to Singapore was Japan. Assuming that our naval strength should he fifty-four per cent, above Japan, it would then be necessary for - Britain to send no fewer than 300 warships to Singapore.

Mr Benny said that the Dominions felt that they were betrayed. “It is impossible to run tlie Empire,” be declared. “on the skimmed milk of sentimental rot.” The wishes of the Dominions should be considered m this matter.

Commander Kenworthy said that Singapore is useless as a base from which the communications of an army brought by Japan to Australia, could be liari asset!.

Comamnder Burney said the Government’s policy was destructive to tlie confidence oi Australia and New Zealand in the determination of Britain to guarantee their safety ami security in the event of war, and it would jeopardise the safety of the Empire. The British Isles "ere permanently over-docked. Britain should redistribute naval docks as she redistributed ships, and use the money that was now being spent at Chatham Naval Docks upon a dock at Singapore.