SINGAPORE BASE.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 July 1925, Page 2

SINGAPORE BASE.

[ Australia A N.Z. Cable Association.] STATEMENT IN LORDS. LONDON. July 1. in the House of Lords. Lord 'Stanhope raid the extent of the development if the Singapore Base was still under consideration. 'The Government Pad not reached a. decision regarding ,he graving dock as the Admiralty considered it would be cheaper to build a m-w dock than to enlarge any existing commercial dock. The Government did not intend to make a great base like Portsmouth or Devonport. hut was considering where possible to reduce the original plans in accordance with what I he country was a ole to aiford. BE PREPARED. LONDON, July 1. I„ Hie House of Lords, during a debate on Singapore, Lord. Bnliotir said the fundamental question which he had never heard answered by the opponents of the naval base, was whether any worse economy was conceivable than spending sums on the visit of our Elect and yet not spending an additional stun to make it available wherever British possessions

IH’A'doil it. 110 aslu*(l how anyone could think that the Singapore base menaced nail yet simultaneously did not think that Japan menaced Australia. or how anyone could believe it impossible that Japan could attack Australia without not also believing you could not attack Japan from. Singapore, the distances being practically the same. Lord Bailout said there was a v.-mt military force in Japan, hut there was no question of ihere ever being a military force at Singapore ol menacing strength, either as against Japan or any other power. The force there only would be usable defensively. Lord Balfour Vhibortuedi the old

argument that the best way to assure pence was to he prepared otherwise; although, lie said, he was most ut,lined to heiieve we were beginning great oeaee era. Tie- discussion then terminated.