SINGAPORE NAVAL BASE

Hokitika Guardian, 6 March 1925, Page 3

SINGAPORE NAVAL BASE

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CAULK ASSOCIATIONSITE FOB BASF, BOUGHT. SINGAPORE, March *l. It is officially stated that the cost of the site for a naval ha.se here will lo one and a-qunrtcr million dollars. Its acquisition is now completed, i.nd the land will be handed over as required. Hong Kong is contributing a quarter of a million towards the base costs. Interest is added to the naval conference by the presence in Dutch waters of an American Fleet which is at present at Batavia. DISCUSSION IN COMMONS. (.Deceived this day at 9.25 a.in.) LONDON, March 5. In the Commons at question time the Hon L. C. M. S. Ainery (Colonial See.) said that Hong Kong had generously offered a quarter of a million sterling towards the cost of the Singapore Base, this representing the profits by the colony out of the local scheme of Shipping Control in war time. The gilt was gratefully accepted by His Majesty’s Government. Hon Ainery said the generous offer by the Straits Settlement to provide the necessary land still holds good. Mr Ammon ashed: Does the offer from Australia and New Zealand still hold good. Jlon Ainery: That does not seem to arise out of this question. I will answer if it is put down. A Labourite, Air Hardie, asked whether the Government anticipated that the four power treaty in regard to the Pacific would not he renewed in 193 L and whether the Government now considered the present safeguard-

ing adequate. The Hon Austin Chamberlain (Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs) icplicd that he was unable to anticipate a decision on this question which would not arrive until 1933. Nothing had so far occurred suggesting any doubt respecting the value of the treaty or ilie foreshadowing of its non-renewal. Ihe Government believed the treaty would facilitate a settlement of any difficulties arising between the signatories. Air Hardie suggested that as the Washington agreement restricting armaments made warfare in the Pacific unlikely during the next decade it would he better to observe the status quo than to invite war hv proceeding with the Singapore base. The Hon Chamberlain replied that Singapore was not proposed as a means of waging war, defensive or offensive, hut as a necessary link in Imperial communications.

Air Hardie said that there were people in the Pacific who did not take the same viewpoint and it was a difference in viewpoint that led to war. The Hon Chamberlain replied: “Acs, that is exactly why Air Hardie should bo very careful in regard to the colour he gave these unfriendly suggestions.”

LOUD BALFOUR'S strong cask. (Received this day at 12.30 p.m.) LONDON, .March 5. In thq House of Lords, Lord Minihome said that there was a conflict of opinion whether the Singapore base was a vital and urgent necessity. When the late Government abandoned the scheme its action was supported by Labour opinion in Australia and Now Zculaaiid. Lord Balfour said he was on the most cordial and intimate terms with the Japanese delegates at Washington and there had been frequent correspondence since, lie had never heard a hint that the base was regarded as a menace to Japan. No other nation in the woinl would have left Singapore defenceless for so long. Japan ought not to ho dragged into the'.matter. The idea of Avar between Britain and Japan was abhorrent- to both nations. Ihe selfgoverning Dominions knew the defence of the Empire rests with the British fleet alone. A .glance at the map shows that- the only way to make the fleet in the Pacific and Indian Oceans effective is the Singapore base. Lord Haldane said there was nothing in the proposal contrary to the letter of agreement at "Washington, hut it was proposed to set up a. now weapon and thus east a doubt whether our senj** timents were genuine. lie did not think there was any reasonable danger likely to attend Australia and New Zealand. AVe were on the friendliest term* with Japan. If the base was set up a large number ol troops would bo needed, with an Eastern Fleet as well as a Western Fleet. Lord Cunton urged that the Singapore base was iiidispensihle if there was Avar in the Far East. Ti wo did not send a fleet to Singapore our trade routes Avould he destroyed. Lord Haldane’s remark that the base was a provocative measure was empty and commonplace*.

DOMINIONS’ COMMTTMENTS LONDON, March

Lord Curzon stilted that tlic* proposed icxpendilurc for which . Parliament would lie naked in connection with the Singapore Base would only lie £2()l.ot>o for the present fiimiieial year. £300,000 for the next financial year and £277.000 for the following year. He emphasised the willingness of the Dominions to contribute'towards the erection of the Base. The Australian and New- Zealand Governments must take into account their new commitments, consequent on Mr MacDonald s Gnicinment’s deeisoi.n in considering the extent to which they could at present cooperate in the development of Singapore. Lord Cunion added that the graving dock at Singapore had not yet been decided upon.

admiral vrews. LONDON. March 5. At Singapore, Admiral Everett in an interview, said the ships of three stations are in this part of the world. It seemed conceivable that if a menace arose, though I do not see one at present. we should have to act together, so we have come here to have n sort of palaver. The Admiralty’s idea is that every two or three years the Coiuman-der-in-Chief of the adjacent stations should meet to discuss questions allectin<r them all. The press had made an awful lot of fuss about the Conference mi the naval base. We have not come -- to talk about the naval base any more than we have come to talk about bananas. The only thing is, supposing we all have to net together in a crisis, although I do not lorsce one at present, we have got to have co-operation. The Conference is a good thing especially when we have accentuated forces and small squadrons such ns are at present t on the China, Kast Indies stations, and also Australia. The fact that there are so many ships now at Singapore is accidental, and if you like incidental. The ships are collected here because it is the most convenient place for the three squadrons. Singapore’s geographical position explained the selection as a naval base, but we have not come to talk base. That is an Imperial Policy. Concluding, Admiral Kverett relerring to the base, said, what we want is this. Supposing a big ship comes here, we want somewhere to put her. A lot of nonsense has hen talked about a great naval base at Singapore. What we want are docking facilities for modem ships..

SCENTS IN COMMONS. [ItEUTEIIS TkI.EORAMR/, (Received this dav at 10.2 d a.m.) T.OXDON, Match 5. Tn the House of Commons the whole of the Labour Party marched out, following the suspension of Mr Kirkwood for interrupting Mr Chamberlain.